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Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz delivered a vital innings under pressure while batting at number seven during the Tigers' seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Mirpur today.

With Bangladesh's top-order often collapsing, Miraz has frequently been called upon to salvage the innings. The all-rounder admitted that he enjoys stepping up in tough situations because he feels that if things go his way, he has the chance to be a hero.

On Day 3, Miraz played a key role in resisting the South African attack, forming a 138-run partnership with debutant Jaker Ali. However, on the fourth day, he became the last Bangladesh batter to fall, being dismissed for 97 by Kagiso Rabada, who capitalized on the new ball in the cloudy morning conditions.

Given the repeated top-order failures, Miraz was asked if he had been focusing on preparing to face the new ball.

"I have tried to practice since I have to bat against new ball sometimes, especially after 80 overs [in a Test when a new ball is on offer for the opposition]. I have to bat with bowlers so I am readying myself mentally on how to bat to survive in international cricket. Not just survive but how to score runs, dominate a bowler, and understand the bowler's mindset. I share things with experienced players in our team and they share with me too," Miraz said at the post-match press conference today.

Miraz's innings allowed Bangladesh a 105-run lead in the end, even though it was not enough but having been involved in many fightbacks with the bat from lower down the order recently. 

"I always try to enjoy the tough situations. I don't think too much and only think that if I can do well in that position, there will be a chance to be a hero," he added.

The second and final Test of the series, part of the World Test Championship, will begin on October 29 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.