Yesterday was rather a disappointing outing for the Tigers as the second and final Test against South Africa got underway at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Although five batsmen registered starts, only captain Mushfiqur Rahim crossed fifty as Bangladesh ended the opening day on 246/8.
With the last recognised batsman – Nasir Hossain - at the middle, top-order batsman Mominul Haque believes they can very well cross the 300-run mark when the second day’s proceedings resume today. Mominul however, thinks even if they reach 300, it will be a below-par total against the world’s number one ranked Test outfit.
“I think the score is not big. It has to be around 350-400 runs. Bowlers then can have a good total to bowl at. The runs are not enough. We will try to get to 300, which I think will still be a good score. I think 300 is possible if Nasir bats well. Our tail can defend the ball. Then, we can bowl on the right areas,” Mominul told the media in the post-day press conference yesterday.
Mominul posted a good score but gave away the initiative when he was caught behind by debutant Dane Vilas off JP Duminy for 40. The diminutive batsman vented his displeasure at the manner of his dismissal.
“I took a wrong decision. It was also a wrong decision in the last game. I hope to overcome quickly. I do not think I am losing concentration. The cut is my scoring shot, so I am playing those shots from which I get runs. Sometimes your best shot do not work for you. When it does not happen for you, even the half-chances went to the hands of the fielders. I have to be more careful next time,” lamented Mominul.
The classy southpaw said although some of the Bangladesh batsmen gifted their wickets, the Proteas did bowl at a tight line and length throughout the opening day’s play.
“My wicket and Liton’s [Kumar Das] did not make for great viewing. Imrul [Kayes] got out to a good ball. I think some of us gifted our wickets but Shakib [al Hasan] bhai’s dismissal was off a good ball,” he said.
