|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh defeated the host Zimbabwe by 220 runs in the one-off Test in Harare. Young cricketers like Shadman Islam and Nazmul Hossain Shanto have shown great performance in their return to Test victory. Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque is delighted by the youngster’s performances.

Najmul-Shadman’s performance was highlighted by the captain during the post-match conference on Sunday [July 11]. The Duo amassed 196 runs for the second wicket in the second innings, both struck centuries.

Mominul was very pleased for their contribution in their win, he said, “Whether home or away, a win is always a proud thing for me. When juniors contribute, it really looks good,”

He talked about Mahmudullah and Taskin’s second-highest ninth-wicket stand in Tests, totaling 191 runs.He also praised Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who took five wickets in the first innings and four in the second innings.

“When we were in trouble, a partnership between Riyad bhai and Taskin was crucial. [On Mehidy] It was a flat wicket, so it's difficult to get wickets. It was a special performance for his nine wickets. Even Shakib and Taskin got four wickets, and it was a team effort," he added.

At the end of the match, the Bangladesh captain explained why they decided to have 8 batsmen in the XI.

“Looking at the wicket, it seemed that maybe the first day will be a little problem.  Maybe two or three-player will have problems.  But since we had a long batting lineup, we got out of there.  And the aim was to win the toss and bat, as the wicket was tough. In that case, we thought the spinners would get some help on the fourth and fifth day,”

“The decision I have made was correct.  Now that we have won, the decisions are the same.  It might have been different if we had lost,” said Mominul.

Mominul believes the partnership of Liton Das and Mahmudullah during the first innings when Bangladesh were in trouble, helped the young players to play without any pressure.

“The partnership of the Liton and Riyad was very important. We lost 6 wickets for 160 runs. A partnership was very much needed at that time. Riyad’s innings was outstanding. I think Taskin's 75 was very crucial in our win.”

“Because of the first innings good total, Shanto and Shadman was able to bat calmly without pressure. Which should be in every team. If you can make a good total in the first innings, the pressure on the young players decreases. I think they can utilize it very well. That's why I like the thing very much,” he added.