Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed
their maiden Test victory against Pakistan as massive and historic.
Terming the victory as a total team effort further, he said that they have
the belief that they would turn the things this time around.
“We won this match. It’s a historic day for us,” Shanto said after the match.
“It’s very massive. I think, I think we never went here, but before we start
this series, we believed we can win this time. And then I mean it and
everyone really believed that we can do something special this time and the
way everyone shows their character, really happy with them.”
It was Tigers first victory against Pakistan in the longer version format,
having failed to do so in the last 13th attempt. Previously they lost 12,
most of which by an innings margin and drew a Test only.
In their last tour in Pakistan, Bangladesh conceded an innings margin defeat
and hardly anyone could believe that the Tigers could get over the line,
specially when they are vulnerable in T
est format.
Moreover, due to the unrest in the country, the team’s practice session was
jeopardized. The team came to Pakistan at a time when the country was going
through a hard time-firstly for the political unrest and then the severe
flood that affected badly in various part of the country.
Overcoming all those adversities, Tigers put up a dominant performance that
saw them becoming the first overseas team to crush Pakistan by 10 wickets on
their home soil.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s monumental 191 guided Bangladesh to 565, their highest Test
total against Pakistan after the home side declared at 448-6. With 117-run
deficit, Pakistan could manage only 146 before being all out in second
innings, setting just 30-run target for Bangladesh to win.
“We are paying tribute to the individuals who recently passed away in our
nation during the protest and praying for their souls,” Shanto said,
recalling the effort of people who were martyred during the student-led mass
movement in July-August that led to the o
uster of Sheikh Hasina government.
“Especially last, I think 10, 15 days, the way everyone worked hard on the
field off the field, really happy. And that’s why we made this win,” Shanto
said further, adding that it a special victory because he celebrated his
birthday today.
“Alhamdulillah for the win. Yes, it was very special. Last night, I spoke
with my wife. She said, if you win tomorrow it can be a very good day.
Luckily alhamdulillah. We won this match.”
He also heaped praise on his bowlers, specially the spinners Shakib Al Hasan
and Mehidy Hasan Miraz who turned the table emphatically to drive the side to
the victory from almost nowhere.
“The seamers bowled well. We all know Shakib, how he has experience. Miraz
has played a lot of test matches, he knows how to control his line and length
and really happy that they shows lot of character and goal, bowling the right
areas for a long time,” he remarked.
Also, Shanto didn’t forget to give the due credit to the batters, who showed
the stubborn
ness to wear down Pakistan bowlers in unresponsive pitch, led by
dependable Mushfiqur Rahim.
“Shadman was outstanding, I think playing after a long time, quite difficult
as the opener especially in this format but the way he batted, especially I
mentioned first 12 overs that day him and Zakip the way they batted. It
really helps our team to bat on the second day. So really happy. I hope they
will continue their form,” Shanto added.
“I was telling that in the last 15/17 years the way he (Mushfiqur Rahim) is
doing his preparation and every day doing his job rightly. Never looks tired
doing repeatedly the same thing over and over. So that’s why he played I
think 15-17 years international cricket with the same intensity. And the way
he batted in in this hot condition really happy for him, that’s why we
probably win the match. I’m not giving only credit to him, I’ll give all the
credit to full 15 members, it’s only possible because of their hard work.”
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha