2024-08-26 00:09:29
Bangladesh visited Pakistan in a politically unstable situation. The situation has not improved yet. The flood shook the entire country as a ‘wound upon the earth’. When the country is in such a situation, it is important to keep your mind on the game. But the Bangladesh team made the impossible possible in the Rawalpindi Test. Nazmul Hossain’s calm team defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets. Bangladesh captain Shanto believes that this achievement of defeating Pakistan for the first time in a Test will put a smile on everyone’s face. He answered various questions in the press conference after winning the match.
How was the role of conditions behind the win?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: The conditions helped us. So we got the result.
Do you think Pakistan took you lightly and misunderstood the pitch?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: I don’t think so. We know their strength is pace bowling. Along with the spinners, we have been doing well in pace bowling for the last two years. I don’t think they understood the pitch. We played well. Their bowlers did well and our batsmen batted well in such hot conditions. Besides, our openers batted well in 12 overs that day.
On the fourth day, the match was heading for a definite draw. Match win from there. First win against Pakistan…
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: It’s a great feeling. When I came to the field this morning, I believed that we can win this match. Because, we were ahead by 94 runs. The pitch was tough for the spinners. Pacers ball was going up and down. At that time we believed that if we hit the ball in the right place then we can win the match. That’s what happened.
Mushfiq, Liton, Mehdi’s innings put Pakistan under pressure. How do you see their innings?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: I don’t want to single out anyone for their performance. We know how experienced Mushfiq Bhai is and he does the right thing every day. He did his job. We are happy with that. This kind of innings is expected of him every day. Credit goes to each batter. Especially to the openers. Because, the way they handled the new ball against this bowling attack is great. It’s a total team effort. After that we bowled well.
How to explain this victory in such a political situation? Maybe this time a win was needed…
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: It is very important. I think we have been going through a tough time in the last month. Still there are some problems here (Bangladesh). We all support each other. This win might put a little smile on everyone’s face. We are happy for that. We will try to do something like this in the next match.
Everyone was worried about the flood situation in the country…
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: First of all it’s sad. Actually it is out of our control. We all know that the people of Bangladesh have always stood by each other in danger. I see everyone trying to help those who are in danger there. Every player from our team is trying their best to help. As a team we are trying to find ways to contribute. Every player is involved, doing what they can to help.
Individual or team performance – which is more important?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: Of course I think the whole thing was a team effort. Mushfiq Bhai’s innings was outstanding. Definitely a special innings, helped our team to advance. But overall if you look at the whole match batting, bowling, fielding – it was a whole team effort. I always think as a captain that we play every match as a team. Sometimes results will come, sometimes not. Let’s play as a team. We played as a team every time in this match. I feel very good.
How do you think Shakib turned around in such a situation?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: As far as I understand when a very dedicated person enters the field for the country. He does whatever it takes for the team to win. Putting personal life aside to focus on how I can do better for the team. How to help the team, help another junior player – these things he can do very differently. Very dedicated person. To perform in such conditions, to make such inputs, especially in bowling – it is outstanding. This is what we expect from him. Hope for better in the next match.
What is the message of this victory outside the country?
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: We don’t win many matches away from home. I think I won this time after the win against New Zealand. When I planned the World Test Championship this year, how to win away or draw, win at home – that was the plan. By the grace of Allah, a good result has come. This win will boost the confidence among the players. In the audience too. I hope that I can play better in the upcoming match series.