Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is over the moon after Bangladesh shocked Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi on August 25. He expressed that Bangladesh had the belief that they could overcome Pakistan on their home ground.
Bangladesh script history after beating Pakistan in 1st Test
On August 25, the Tigers achieved their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan in Rawalpindi since their initial encounter in 2001. Bangladesh also made history by becoming the first team to defeat Pakistan by 10 wickets. After facing initial difficulties following Pakistan's declaration of 448 for six in their first innings, Bangladesh successfully turned the tide in the Test.
ALSO READ: 'Your trademark smile will be missed': Virat Kohli pens heartfelt note for retired Shikhar Dhawan
He also revealed his chat with his wife before Bangladesh finally rocked Pakistan in their own backyard.
“It's very special, last night I spoke with my wife. She said if we win, it will be very good and luckily, we won today,” Shanto said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Shanto acknowledged the significant contributions of the bowlers, particularly Shakib Al Hasan and Nahid Rana, who performed exceptionally well. He also praised the efforts of Shadman Islam, who scored 93 runs in the first innings, and the other opening batsman, Zakir Hasan.
“It's very massive, we had never won here, but we believed before the start of the series and we did really well. Especially in the last 10-15 days, we have worked really hard. Credit goes to all the bowlers, Nahid bowled really well, Shakib was also good. Playing after a long time it's difficult for an opener but the way he (Shadman) and Zakir batted, it really helped our team,” Shanto added.
Shanto did not overlook the outstanding performance of Mushfiqur Rahim, who was awarded the Player of the Match. Although Mushfiqur narrowly missed a double century in the first innings, his crucial knock of 191 runs enabled Bangladesh to establish a significant 117-run lead in their first innings.
“Mushfiqur for the last 15-17 years has done really well, and he is not tiring, he is playing with the same intensity. He played really well in these hot conditions,” Shanto further added.
Mushfiqur Rahim forged a valuable partnership of 196 runs with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, which played a key role in Bangladesh gaining the upper hand in the Rawalpindi Test. Meanwhile, the second Test of the series is set to take place in Rawalpindi from August 30th.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Shan Masood breaks silence on declaration call, 4-pacer strategy after 1st Test defeat against Bangladesh, says '..funny things can happen'
England call up 6ft 7in seamer after Mark Wood ruled out of entire Test series against Sri Lanka with thigh strain
