'We’re not thinking too far ahead' - Mehidy Hasan on success mantra that could help Bangladesh end Pakistan jinx in Rawalpindi

Mehidy Hasan said that Bangladesh will have a great chance of beating Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi if they can pick up early wickets on Day 5.

The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has seen attritional cricket for most parts as the pitch has been on the placid side. However, Day 4 finished on an intriguing note with Pakistan trailing Bangladesh's first innings lead by 94 runs, having lost the solitary wicket of Saim Ayub, who scored a half-century in the first essay.

“If our bowlers perform well in the first hour tomorrow, we’ll be in a good position. We’re not thinking too far ahead. We’ll have a great chance if we can take early wickets tomorrow. If we get a few wickets in the first session, we have a shot at winning," Mehidy told reporters after the end of play on Day 4.

“We got a good lead, and now we need to bowl in the right areas and pick up early wickets. The bowlers did well in the last hour,” he added.

Mehidy scored a gritty 77 on Day 4 and stitched a colossal 196-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim (191) to help the visitors take a 117-run first innings lead. Pakistan had to bat out 10 overs in the last session after dismissing Bangladesh for 565. Shoriful dismissed Ayub in the third over before Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood took the hosts to 23/1 at Stumps.

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Bangladesh have a slight edge in the Test match heading into Day 5. They have never beaten Pakistan in the longest format of the game, having lost 12 out of the 13 encounter they have played against the Asian giants.

Mushfiq bhai and I had a good partnership, the boys played really well: Mehidy

Mehidy Hasan congratulated Mushfiqur Rahim for his marathon innings which came off 341 deliveries and comprised 22 fours and one maximum. The spin-bowling all-rounder expressed his delight as his team had scored 500-plus runs after a long time in Test cricket. He also hailed Shadnam Islam (93) and Litton Kumar Das (56) for their contributions.

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“Mushfiq bhai and I had a good partnership. Credit goes to him for batting brilliantly and supporting me throughout. He kept telling me it was an excellent wicket and to keep playing well.”

“We’re really happy because it’s been a long time since we scored over 500 runs. The boys played really well. Shadman scored 93, and Litton Kumar Das also batted well. Not everyone will score, but some need to take responsibility, like Mushfiq bhai did. We’re in a good position and very happy,” he concluded.