Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim labelled the ongoing bilateral series against Pakistan as their best ever and vowed to end it on a high note when the two sides meet in the second and final Test today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
“Of course, this is one of our best. So far, the way we have performed, I do not think we have performed like this in the past. We had different teams for the three formats so the challenge did not get any easier. There were of course expectations from the home crowd that we will be able to retain our World Cup performance,” Mushfiq told the press conference previewing the second Test.
Mushfiq informed that the Dhaka Test will virtually be a final and added that their new-found maturity will stand them in good stead as they bid to win the match and, subsequently, the series.
“There were also expectations in the Test series. Thanks to Allah, everything went in our favour. Hopefully, when the next Test begins tomorrow (today), we will be able to continue our form in the next five days and end the series on a bright note. I think everyone has become more mature, that is why you are seeing some gutsy, individual performances, be it batting or bowling. This is the outcome of the confidence that he had derived from consistent performances in the last three months,” said Mushfiq.
Mushfiq stated that the opposition would try to come out with all guns blazing as they are yet to win a single game on the tour but expressed belief that the home side’s bowlers would be able to get 20 wickets and keep the visitors winless.
“We have bagged some good and big achievements in the last few weeks. I will hope to begin this Test confidently with all our positives from the previous game. And, there is certainly just one goal, this is the final Test of the series and we will do whatever we need to do to win the match. And everyone is working hard for it,” said Mushfiq before adding, “We played well in the Khulna Test but it will be challenging for us here because they will try to play attacking cricket, I think. And, we will target 20 wickets. Our aim will be to try to keep them winless.”
The 26-year old said if the Tigers are to win the match and the series, it would not be termed an upset, given Pakistan (third) and Bangladesh’s (ninth) positions in the International Cricket Council’s Test team rankings.
“I do not think it will be an upset. It is because of the way the boys have been playing in the last two or three months. There were lots of talks doing the rounds that we play well in the ODIs and not in the Tests. But, we have shown that we are capable of doing well in the Tests too,” he said.
Mushfiq believes the SBNS pitch will play different to the wicket used in the Khulna Test.
“Almost every time we played here (Mirpur), it has produced a result, unless weather played a part. That is why I would say this wicket is bowler-friendly and at the same time, batting friendly. It is quick and also spins so everyone can take advantage,” he said.
“Still, I will say it’s a different pitch, different ground so we have to be prepared for a fight. I think the boys are ready to fight for five days and after that, hopefully we will grab a win and seal the series.”
