Bangladesh chased down their 138-run target on day four against Ireland in just 37.1 overs with a run-rate of 5.07 per over and Tigers skipper Shakib al Hasan said they will try to maintain this positive approach in the coming matches as well.
Bangladesh made a change in the opening combination with Liton Das coming out to bat with Tamim Iqbal and Liton was off to a brisk start as the right-hander scored 23 off 19 deliveries with three fours and one six.
Later, Mushfiqur Rahim also batted with attacking approach as he made 51 off 48 balls with seven boundaries.
Captain Shakib informed that Bangladesh will try to bat positively with this kind of approach in near future although he admitted it will be tough, depending on quality opposition and challenging conditions.
“We will try to keep this approach from now on. Probably it will not be possible for us to keep this approach in every match, depending on the condition and opponent. But we will definitely try to play this kind of positive cricket gradually from now onwards,” said Shakib during the post-match press conference Friday.
Shakib also praised Ireland's effort in taking the Test to the fourth day after finding themselves at a precarious 27/4 following day two's proceedings.
“Normally we don't play on this kind of wicket. It was a good batting track in the first three days. Even on day four it was good for batting. Credit goes to Ireland, they fought really well. Taijul (Islam) bowled really well as far as our bowling is concerned, and in the second innings, all the fast bowlers chipped in,” said Shakib.
Bangladesh opted for six bowlers in this Test match and Shakib said Miraz at No 7 in the batting order gave them extra advantage with regards to picking four specialist bowlers and two all-rounders, which proved beneficiary for the team.
“If you want to take 20 wickets in Test then you need plenty of bowling options. There is no alternative option. If you are in a defensive mindset when you want to draw the Test then you might think about four bowlers. For a win you need to go with five bowlers or six bowlers. Big teams like India and England are in this situation now, they usually go for five bowlers and six specialist batsmen nowadays,” Shakib concluded.
