Good read. We had more positives than the negatives from this Test. Although, the negatives were very irritating and proved to be very decisive in the outcome of the match.
The non performance of Ashraful with the bat and his defensive captaining, especially, not attacking the new batsmen at the crease with slips and attacking fields was fatal. Tigers need to learn how to grab the bull by its horn when the opportunity provide itself. Instead of allowing the new opposition batsmen settling down, every efforts should be made to get them out. The mentality of containing the opposition like in the ODI should have been the thing of the past by now! Yes, we missed a wicket taking bowlers like Rafique or a Enamul sorely. Anyhow- all in all- it was a great see-saw Test battle and the deserving team came out as the worthy winners. The black caps and, especially, their captain needs to be saluted for their professionalism, determination and grits.
Hopefully, this was the coming of age for Shakib. What a match he had! Its a shame that he didnt have a genuine wicket taking bowler to bowl with in tendum. Razzak did okay (second innings) with containg the runs but Test cricket is all about taking 20 wickets. Mehrab and Mushfiq should be applauded for their first innings heroics with the bat. They applied themselves and showed temperament, grit and willingness for a fight instead of capitulation which we are so used to see from our batters. They have set a standard. Hopefully, other BD bats will take notice and pay heed.
Finally and hopefully this is not yet another one step forward and three steps backward case for the Tigers. Now, Come on and win that second Test, boys! You have got it!
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