|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud emphasized the importance of building a strong partnership to give the team a chance in the first Test against South Africa, who were already in control of the match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

South Africa, resuming Day 2 at 140-6, were bowled out for 308, giving them a 202-run first-innings lead. By stumps, Bangladesh, who had been dismissed for just 106 in their first innings, had reached 101-3, still trailing by 101 runs to force South Africa to bat again.

Despite the challenging situation, Mahmud remained optimistic, suggesting that Bangladesh could still win if they manage to set a target of around 200 runs for South Africa.

To achieve this, he stressed the need for a big partnership, expressing confidence in Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who were unbeaten on 38 and 31 respectively, having added 52 runs together for the third wicket."Joy and Mushfiqur have been spending a good time in the crease. I think if they can build a big partnership, it will come in handy for us," Mahmud said here today after the Day 2 game.

"It is imperative to make a big partnership. Everyone should bat with the intention of making a big partnership indeed. I think if we can set them a 200-run target, we'll win the match and to do that we need to play at least three sessions and big partnership from our batters tomorrow."

Despite pacers finding success on this pitch, Bangladesh opted for just one fast bowler, Hasan Mahmud, likely anticipating that the conditions would favor spinners. This decision has led to questions about whether Bangladesh misjudged the pitch. However, Hasan proved that there was plenty assistance for the pacers, taking 3-66 to back his case.

"No matter how many pacers are in the team. Everyone has the responsibility to take the wicket. Like batting, bowlers also should bowl in partnership. We are trying to do that."

Bangladesh basically let them down by batting poorly and the thing has been now recurrent. While the bowlers continued to do well, batters failed to back them up properly, making Bangladesh vulnerable in the Test format.

"We lost wickets in cluster and that's not in our control. I think we should concentrate more during our batting," he said.