Bangladesh registered a historic 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan with a six-wicket triumph in the second match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (September 3).
Chasing 185 to win, Bangladesh were 42/0 at stumps on Day 4. The visitors needed 143 runs on the final day to sweep the series and they achieved the target without any fuss.
The Bangla Tigers will now travel to India for a two-match Test series, due to start on September 19 in Chennai. The series win over Pakistan has definitely boosted their confidence.
While Bangladesh have produced some upsets against India in the white-ball formats, they are yet to beat them in Test cricket.
With two weeks remaining for the series, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto named the players who are going to be crucial for them during the tour of India. He pinned hopes on someone like Mehidy Hasan Miraz to spin his web around the Indian batters.
"Next series is very important and this win gives us a lot of confidence. We have a lot of experience in Mushi and Shakib, and they will be important in India. (On Miraz) The way he bowled and took 5 wickets in these conditions is very impressive, and hope he can do the same against India," Shanto said after the Pakistan Test series win.
Notably, Mehidy earned the Player-of-the-Series award for picking up 10 wickets and scoring 155 runs in two Test matches against Pakistan.
The Bangladesh lauded his fast bowlers’ stunning display on Pakistan soil and was elated after the historic triumph in Rawalpindi.
"Means a lot, can't express in words. Really happy. We were looking to win here and very happy with the way everyone has done their job. Very impressive, the work ethic of our pacers was great and that's why we got the result. Everyone is honest with themselves and they want to win, I hope they continue. Joy missed out because of a niggle, and the way Shadman batted in the first Test was excellent. And even Zakir in this Test, came out positive and got us the momentum," he added.
Shanto also praised the players who didn’t get a chance to play in the series against Pakistan but helped the team in every possible way.
"Everyone has chipped in, especially those who weren't getting chances. The 4 guys who weren't in the XI but helping the team in the field was very impressive. I hope this culture can continue. The party is the manager's call, we have to travel as well but we will go well," he remarked.
(Hindustan Times inputs)
