We’re not done yet, warns Tigers
HISTORIC: BANGLADESH PIP AUSSIES Hosts set their sights on series win after spinners help them win dramatic first Test despite Warner’s heriocs.
Home captain Mushfiqur Rahim warned Australia that an increasingly confident Bangladesh would be going all out for what would be a sensational series triumph after securing a maiden Test victory over the tourists yesterday.
The 20-run victory at Shere Bangla National Stadium came five months after the Tigers secured their first Test win over Sri Lanka and a month before the first anniversary of their maiden triumph over England in the longest form of the game.
Mushfiqur said the first innings partnership of 155 between Man-of-the-Match Shakib Al
Hasan and opener Tamim Iqbal had been crucial to the victory with the former also taking 5/85 with his spin-bowling to help wrap up the win. Shakib finished with match figures of 10/153.
“Obviously a great feeling, beating Australia. A great effort by the boys, especially Shakib and Tamim were outstanding,” Mushfiqur said.
“If you look at our home performance, it has been pretty consistent. Against England (last year) also, we were very close in the first Test and beat them in the second Test. That’s the belief we have.
“I think the spinners did a great job. I thought Taijul (Islam), Miraj (Mehidy Hasan) and Shakib bowled really well in both the innings (but) I think Tamim-Shakib partnership in the first innings set up the game for us.”
Australia did well to make the contest so close after starting the second innings needing 265 to win on a deteriorating pitch.
David Warner top-scored with a brilliant 112, but captain Steve Smith said they ultimately paid the price for a poor first innings score of 217.
“It was a great test match, credit to Bangladesh the way they played,” he said. “It’s set it up for a really good series.”
The second and final Test starts in Chittagong on Monday. – Reuters