India- Bangladesh Series
Bangladesh will aim to safe the match rather than winning it
|| CF DESK ||
India tried to force a result in the weather-hit second Test against Bangladesh on Monday, despite losing two-and-a-half days.
India declared their whirlwind first innings on 285-9 from just 34.4 overs, after Bangladesh were bowled out for 233 on a whirlwind day four in Kanpur.
Bangladesh had to face a tricky 11 overs before stumps and reached 26-2, still 26 runs in arrears, after Ravichandran Ashwin trapped Zakir Hasan lbw for 10 and then bowled nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud for four.
With just one day left in the Test match, meaning three sessions if rain doesn't intervene, the outcome of the Test will largely depend on how far Bangladesh can progress in their second innings tomorrow.
If Bangladesh can survive at least two of the three sessions, or even more time at the crease, they can potentially save the match.
There's no doubt that even if India gets a short amount of time and a big target, they will still bat to win. However, with Bangladesh already losing two wickets and on the backfoot, however, Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes anything is possible in Test.
"In Test cricket, anything is possible. It's not like we've already lost. We've won matches in similar situations before, and there have been games where we've performed well. We have an opportunity now. The wicket is still good. It will be challenging for us, but if we can build a good partnership at the top and the batsmen take responsibility for one session, we can have a positive outcome." Miraz, who took four wickets, said in the press conference.
When asked if Bangladesh is also thinking about playing to win like India, the spin all-rounder said the priority is to reach a safe position.
"Playing to win would require more time. There's only one day left. We'd have to set a target and then take 10 wickets, which is a long shot. For now, it's more important to secure our position rather than think about winning."