‘Massive’, ‘Historic’: Shanto hails maiden Test win over Pakistan
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed their maiden Test victory against Pakistan as massive and historic.
Terming the victory as a total team effort further, he said that they have the belief that they would turn the things this time around.
"We won this match. It's a historic day for us," Shanto said after the match. "It's very massive. I think, I think we never went here, but before we start this series, we believed we can win this time. And then I mean it and everyone really believed that we can do something special this time and the way everyone shows their character, really happy with them."
It was Tigers first victory against Pakistan in the longer version format, having failed to do so in the last 13th attempt. Previously they lost 12, most of which by an innings margin and drew a Test only.
In their last tour in Pakistan, Bangladesh conceded an innings margin defeat and hardly anyone could believe that the Tigers could get over the line, specially when they are vulnerable in Test format.
Moreover, due to the unrest in the country, the team's practice session was jeopardized. The team came to Pakistan at a time when the country was going through a hard time-firstly for the political unrest and then the severe flood that affected badly in various part of the country. Overcoming all those adversities, Tigers put up a dominant performance that saw them becoming the first overseas team to crush Pakistan by 10 wickets on their home soil.
Mushfiqur Rahim's monumental 191 guided Bangladesh to 565, their highest Test total against Pakistan after the home side declared at 448-6. With 117-run deficit, Pakistan could manage only 146 before being all out in second innings, setting just 30-run target for Bangladesh to win.
"We are paying tribute to the individuals who recently passed away in our nation during the protest and praying for their souls," Shanto said, recalling the effort of people who were martyred during the student-led mass movement in July-August that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government.
"Especially last, I think 10, 15 days, the way everyone worked hard on the field off the field, really happy. And that's why we made this win," Shanto said further, adding that it a special victory because he celebrated his birthday today.
"Alhamdulillah for the win. Yes, it was very special. Last night, I spoke with my wife. She said, if you win tomorrow it can be a very good day. Luckily alhamdulillah. We won this match."
He also heaped praise on his bowlers, specially the spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz who turned the table emphatically to drive the side to the victory from almost nowhere.
"The seamers bowled well. We all know Shakib, how he has experience. Miraz has played a lot of test matches, he knows how to control his line and length and really happy that they shows lot of character and goal, bowling the right areas for a long time," he remarked.
Also, Shanto didn't forget to give the due credit to the batters, who showed the stubbornness to wear down Pakistan bowlers in unresponsive pitch, led by dependable Mushfiqur Rahim.
"Shadman was outstanding, I think playing after a long time, quite difficult as the opener especially in this format but the way he batted, especially I mentioned first 12 overs that day him and Zakip the way they batted. It really helps our team to bat on the second day. So really happy. I hope they will continue their form," Shanto added.
"I was telling that in the last 15/17 years the way he (Mushfiqur Rahim) is doing his preparation and every day doing his job rightly. Never looks tired doing repeatedly the same thing over and over. So that's why he played I think 15-17 years international cricket with the same intensity. And the way he batted in in this hot condition really happy for him, that's why we probably win the match. I'm not giving only credit to him, I'll give all the credit to full 15 members, it's only possible because of their hard work."
