ZCZC
BSP-28
CRICKET-MEHIDY-CHASE
Chasing 300 runs will be tougher in this wicket: Miraz
DHAKA, Feb 13, 2021 (BSS)- Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan stressed the
need for taking the rest of the seven wickets of West Indies quickly, stating
that anything close to 300 will be tougher to chase in the pitch.
According to Miraz, the wicket is now offering considerable amount of turn
and some balls become low, which would make the batsmen’s task tougher in the
fourth innings.
West Indies however had already felt the heat as the visitors experienced
a batting collapse to end the day three on 41-3.
Bangladesh was bowled out for 296 in their first innings in reply to West
Indies’ 409 and thereby conceded 113 run lead. Overall West Indies now is in
lead of 154 runs with seven wickets remaining.
“Batting is always tough in the fifth day, so our target is to bowl them
out as quickly as possible,” Miraz said here today after the day three’s
game.
“The wicket will be tougher to bat on. There was not much demon in the
wicket in the first innings but we observed some turn and some balls became
low today. If it behaves such, last two days will be tougher for batting
side.”
He went on to saying: “I think if we can dismiss them for 150-200, we can
create the opportunity of winning the match. Still anything closer to 300
will be much tougher here.”
On this day, Mehidy Hasan Miraz achieved two unique feats simultaneously
as he became the fastest and also the youngest Bangladeshi bowler to take 100
wickets in Test cricket.
The feat came when he induced an edge off Shayne Moseley’s bat in the
ninth over of the West Indies’ second innings today.
He entered into the Test, needing two wickets to reach the milestone but
it eluded him during the first innings as he took just one wicket. However in
second innings of West Indies, he took little time to inscribe his name along
with three fellow spinners — Mohammad Rafique, Shakib Al Hasan and Tajul
Islam.
What made his feat unique is that he is the only off-spinner in the list
of 100-wicket taker for Bangladesh. The rest of the three are left-arm
spinners.
“I am delighted to have achieved the feat. This milestone will inspire me
to do well and contribute more for the team,” he said.
Miraz also started doing well in batting of late, which brightened his
chance to be a genuine all-rounder like Shakib Al Hasan. After registering
his maiden century in the first Test, he followed it up with 57 runs in
Bangladesh’s first innings in second Test.
He said he will try his best to continue this batting form.
“My senior players gave me the confidence and inspired me to do well in
batting also. Hopefully I can continue the batting form and contribute more
for the team’s cause,” he remarked.
BSS/SMP/ARS/2006 hrs