Things are tough for Bangladesh now, admits Miraz

Afghanistan took complete control of the ongoing one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. By the end of day three, they secured a lead of 374 runs with two wickets in hand to push Bangladesh to a cliff edge. Now, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the Bangladesh all-rounder, believes things are tough for the Tigers to make a comeback to save the game. 

Bangladesh’s highest fourth-innings total is 413 which they have amassed against Sri Lanka back in 2008, but that was not a successful attempt as their target was 521 runs. The successful attempt came against West Indies in 2009 when the Tigers chased down the target of 215 in St George's and ended up scoring 217 for six. 

It means Bangladesh have to make a new record to seal the game in Chattogram. Mehidy believes, it is not impossible but a tough task. He said: “Anything can happen in cricket. We still have two more days and we will definitely put our best foot forward. But to be honest, it is now realy tough to chase this runs. It is for sure that we will try to the en.”

Bangladesh lost control when they fell short of 137 at the end of their first innings. Afghanistan posted 342 runs in the first innings, but the Tigers failed to respond according to the demand tumbling for 205 runs. By the end of day three, Afghanistan scored 237 for eight which helped them stretch the lead to 374 runs. 

“The team who play well win games in cricket, as I said earlier. I believe we still have the chance. The onus is now on the batsmen. If they can deliver their best effort we might end the game on a positive note,” Miraz added. 

According to Miraz, the romance of playing Test cricket pushed Afghanistan to do something remarkable and it is the mystery behind their solid performance in Chattogram. 

“They are eager to show the world that they are well prepared to play Test cricket. The romance is more on their mind. They have got good preparation before coming to this match. We also came through a required preparation but it is the luck that we are not getting help from,” Miraz further told the media at the post-day press meet. 

While Miraz was concerned about their fate in the game, Ibrahim Zadran, the 18-year-old Afghan opener looked complete opposite as he said that they are waiting to register another Test win. 

“We are aiming to add more 30 to 40 runs tomorrow (Sunday) so that we will get a lead of more than 400. I think it will not be easy for Bangladesh to chase it down in the fourth innings of this Test. We are hopeful to come up victorious in this game. ” Zadran told the media.