SECOND Bangladesh eye series victory
Dhaka, May 5: Bangladesh hope to build on their newfound confidence by securing their first- ever Test victory over Pakistan when the second and final match starts in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The Tigers are buoyed by a remarkable fightback in the drawn first Test in Khulna, where they avoided defeat for the first time in nine matches against Pakistan despite trailing by 296 runs on the first innings.
The gallant display followed their dominant form against the struggling tourists in the limited- overs contests. The hosts swept the one- day series 3- 0 and easily won the lone Twenty20 international.
In Khulna, Bangladesh showed their batting prowess as Tamim Iqbal hit his nation’s highest score of 206 and shared a 312- run opening stand with Imrul Kayes ( 150) in the crucial second innings.
Bangladesh’s only series wins since gaining Test sta- tus in 2000 have come against fellow woodenspooners Zimbabwe and once against an understrength West Indies.
Captain Mushfiqur Rahim said his team would go into the match at the Sher- eBangla Stadium staying positive that victory can be achieved.
“We have one goal and that is to win the final Test of the series,” said Rahim. “We will do whatever it takes to win and everyone is working hard towards it.
“We have played good cricket over the last month and it would be great to finish the series on a high.”
Rahim said he was fit to keep wicket after hurting a finger on the right hand while attempting a catch in Khulna.