Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed that his team's maiden Test victory against Pakistan on Sunday was a tribute to those who lost their lives during the recent protests that led to the resignation of former premier Sheikh Hasina. The South Asian country faced several weeks of student-led demonstrations that eventually compelled Hasina to step down and escape to India after 15 years of autocratic governance.
"We are honoring the memory of those who perished in our country during the protests and we are praying for their souls," Najmul stated following their 10-wicket triumph in the first Test in Rawalpindi. Over 450 individuals were killed in the protests, with many falling victim to police gunfire. Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan was hampered by inadequate preparation, as foreign coaches were unable to participate in training sessions due to travel advisories. However, the new interim government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus, permitted the two-Test series to proceed.
Bangladesh took a 117-run lead in the first innings after posting a record score against Pakistan of 565, with the hosts declaring their innings at 448-6 on a pitch conducive to batting. They then restricted Pakistan to a mere 146 on the fifth day, with spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3-44) leading the charge. Bangladesh achieved the required 30 runs without losing a wicket, triggering jubilation in the visiting team's dressing room. Najmul, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday, described the win as a special feeling.
"It's great to win on a birthday, a special feeling," he said. "But what's even more special is the team's victory. It's a historic day for us, it's huge." Najmul believed that the team's confidence in their ability to win was a key factor in their success. "Before the series began, we believed we could win this time. And then... everyone really believed that we could achieve something special this time," he explained. Najmul also commended his bowlers for their performance in keeping Pakistan under control.
"Everyone displayed their character, I'm truly pleased with them. We've worked hard to secure this win. Our bowlers performed exceptionally well," he noted. He also lauded veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, whose 191 in the first innings laid the groundwork for Bangladesh's highest total against Pakistan. "He's been playing cricket for 15-17 years and never seems fatigued, consistently performing over and over again," Najmul said. "His batting in these hot conditions was impressive, and I'm really happy for him, which is why we likely won the match." Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed regret to the home fans for the disappointing outcome.
"We're all disheartened, the entire nation of Pakistan is disappointed," Masood said, having lost all four matches since becoming Test captain last year. "As a team, as the leader of the team, I must apologize to our fans that we were unable to deliver the result that Pakistan deserved." Masood refuted the notion that his team underestimated Bangladesh. "I thought they were very disciplined, with the ball and in the field, they played to their strengths," he stated. Masood hoped his players would rebound for the second Test, which commences in Rawalpindi on Friday.
"We must acknowledge our mistakes and work hard to come back strongly," he concluded.
