Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed said the home side can win the ongoing Test against visitors South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
At stumps on day three, Bangladesh are ahead by 81 runs with Mehedi Hasan Miraz and debutant Jaker Ali Anik scoring half-centuries to get the hosts back into the game.
The duo added 138 for the seventh wicket to save Bangladesh from an innings defeat against the Proteas.
At close of day’s play, which happened about an hour early due to bad light, Miraz was unbeaten on 87 and Nayeem Hasan on 16 as Bangladesh posted 283 for seven.
Former Pakistan bowler, now Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq showed belief on his team’s chances of winning the game.
“Why not? You just have to believe that. Every time you talk about belief, it's about the process and not giving up. When you don't give up, the opposition also respects that,” said former leg-spinner Mushtaq to the media following the day’s proceedings.
“From my point of view, we have to believe. The belief has to be there, from any situation. And when you have belief and confidence, you can challenge any team. So, we have to bat as long as we can, score consistently, and get whatever lead we can,” the Bangladesh coach added.
Though Bangladesh now have only one established batsman in Miraz facing the Proteas, Mushtaq showed confidence in adding 100 more runs to the tally.
“We believe we can push for a lead of over 200. The coaching staff and players are starting to believe. In cricket, you need to maintain belief in any situation. We will focus on fighting and sticking to the process rather than worrying about the result,” said Mushtaq.
