Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was over
the moon after the historical Test series victory against Pakistan, saying
that it’s a landmark incident in the country’s cricket history, something
which he can’t express with just some words.
“It means a lot. We can’t express with words, really happy. I think before we
came here we’re looking to win here, and the way everyone did their job,
really happy,” Shanto said, moments after Bangladesh completed a six-wicket
victory in the second Test to sweep the two-match series.
After a monumental 10-wicket victory in the first Test, which was their
maiden victory against the Pakistan in longer version format, little did
anyone know that Bangladesh were poised to make more history.
In the first innings of the second Test, Bangladesh were slumped to 26-6
before Liton Das played one of the greatest knock in the country’s Test
history to revive the hopes. Bangladesh conceded just 12 runs lead and the
bowlers then cut through Pakistan batting line up with
precision to set a
185-run target for the side. Bangladesh eased to reach the target, losing
just four wickets.
“The bowling unit was very impressive. I think the most important thing is
their work ethic. I think the way they did their work in the recent past
time, that’s why they get the result. And then everyone was honest with
themselves, and they wanted to win. So that is important for our team, and
then I hope they will continue,” Shanto added.
While the bowlers were terrific throughout the two-match series, helping the
side win the crunch moments, the openers remains the unsung hero. The tone
was set by the openers, specially Shadman Islam who played 93-run knock in
the first innings of the first Test in juicy wicket. Shadman’s stubbornness
in the bowling favourable wicket wore down Pakistan bowlers to such extent
that the other batters of Bangladesh then dominated the bowling with ease.
Then in second Test, the way opener Zakir Hasan started in the fourth
innings, helped Bangladesh take
early edge to chase down the target.
“Our regular opener (Mahmudul Hasan) Joy missed out because he has some
niggles, but the way Shadman batted, especially the 93 runs in the first
innings, it was excellent. And this innings, the way Zakir approached first
six, seven overs, I think the momentum came to us, and then that’s what we
want from the both of them,” he said.
Shanto also heaped praise on the senior players who came up with their best
when it mattered most. Mushfiqur played an epic 191 in the first innings of
first Test, utilizing the platform set by Shadman and gave the side a
handsome lead.
Shakib Al Hasan gave three crucial wickets on final day of first Test what
looked to destine to a draw.
Liton Das propped up his game to an uncanny degree in the second Test after
Bangladesh slide to 26-6 while Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided the X factor when
captain needed his service.
“Mushi (Mushfiqur Rahim) bhai, Shakib bhai, Liton, and Mominul, they’re all
experienced playing a lot of cricket, a
nd they show their experience, and I
hope they will do better than this in the India series,” he said, adding that
the series will give them confidence for their next assignment against India.
“Mehidy Hasan Miraz was vital cog in our team. I think the way he bowled in
the first innings on this kind of condition and took five wickets…it’s
impressive. And the way, as I mentioned before, the way he worked his last
couple of days practicing and talking to the coaches was really impressive.
And I hope against India he will do the same as he did.”
Hailing the series victory as total team effort, Shanto said: “I think
everyone chipped in this series; it’s totally a team game. Especially I
mentioned those who are not getting a chance to play this game. Doing a lot
of hard work in the field is also very important. We always talk about those
who score runs or take wickets. But those four guys who didn’t play the game
but was helping the team outside from the ground. It’s very, very impressive.
That’s ho
w we will get the result, and I hope this culture will go forward.”
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
