We can win if we get a few early strikes early on Day 5: Mehidy

With there being no purchase for the bowlers on the surface whatsoever, the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi looks like it’s headed for a draw, but Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes that the Tigers can still win the contest if they can get a few early scalps on the final day of the Test.

After a rain-affected Day 1, Pakistan made a bold declaration late on Day 2, declaring at 448/6 despite Mohammad Rizwan batting unbeaten on 171. 

But a stupendous batting performance from the visitors, who, on the back of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191, posted their third-highest Test total ever (565), helped Bangladesh take a 117-run lead in the first innings.

Pakistan, who have already lost Saim Ayub, will resume the fifth day 94 runs behind, and as the only side capable of losing the contest.

"If our bowlers perform well in the first hour tomorrow, we'll be in a good position. We're not thinking too far ahead," Mehidy said after Day 4, reported Cricbuzz.

 "We'll have a great chance if we can take early wickets tomorrow. If we get a few wickets in the first session, we have a shot at winning.

"We got a good lead, and now we need to bowl in the right areas and pick up early wickets. The bowlers did well in the last hour," he said.

That Bangladesh piled 565 on the board was also partly down to Mehidy (77), who shared a record 196-run stand for the seventh wicket. Mehidy played his part but he credited his senior partner for guiding him on a very good batting surface.

"Mushfiq bhai and I had a good partnership. Credit goes to him for batting brilliantly and supporting me throughout. He kept telling me it was an excellent wicket and to keep playing well.

"We're really happy because it's been a long time since we scored over 500 runs. The boys played really well. Shadman scored 93, and Litton Kumar Das also batted well. Not everyone will score, but some need to take responsibility like Mushfiq bhai did. We're in a good position and very happy," he added.

It was Mehidy’s seventh 50-plus score in Tests. Six of them have come at No.8 or below, the joint-most for any Bangladesh batter lower down the order.

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