Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited "healthy competition" within the bowling group for driving his side's 2-0 Test win against Pakistan. The home side won the second Test by 78 runs with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam picking up six wickets in the fourth innings to go with his three in the first.
Across the series, Bangladesh spinners accounted for 22 wickets, with Taijul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each producing five-wicket hauls. The pace attack supported them. with 18 wickets between them, led by Nahid Rana's 11 wickets including a 5 for 40 in Dhaka.
"I think it is this healthy competition that won us the Test series against Pakistan," Shanto said. "It is good to have this kind of healthy competition. Whoever is given the responsibility of bowling, they have stepped up. It is also desirable to see a bowler cutting out the runs or taking wickets when the team is under pressure. I think it is good that everyone understands how important the moments are. I hope that we don't get too excited and prepare well before the next Test match. We have to correct the mistakes but let this healthy competition thrive."
Shanto admitted that Bangladesh were nervous when Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan held firm on the fifth morning. The pair struck a string of boundaries, survived a couple of close catching chances and gave Pakistan an outside chance. Shanto said his side showed greater maturity in handling pressure. crediting the seniors in the side for stepping up when it mattered most.
"It is hard to explain the emotion of that one hour today. To be very honest, we were under pressure as they were batting well. I must however say that our team has improved in controlling their emotions or not panicking in these situations. We haven't reached the level of calmness of top teams,. I am definitely happy with our progress, as a captain.
"I think I am very lucky that Mushfiq bhai is in the field. I also had the likes of Litton, Miraz. Mominul bhai but in such moments, I like to discuss a little with the others. I think almost everyone came up to me with their advice. All of our players think about the team. It is often difficult to take decisions in these crunch moments so if you get such help from those around you. it is definitely a bonus."
While Bangladesh arrived on the fifth morning needing only three wickets, the scenario was very different on the first day. The home side slipped to 116 for six when Taijul came to bat. while Litton Das was not out on just two runs. Litton went on to score a masterful century while batting with the tailenders.
"I think Litton's innings was a textbook example of playing for the team. It was an outstanding effort. The way Litton batted with responsibility in that situation, you realise just how big teams operate. Everyone in the dressing room had that belief that Litton could give us those important runs. Everyone knew that Taijul bhai would provide support to Litton.
"There was also great communication from Litton who sent a message about what type of innings we want him to play. Credit goes to Litton, otherwise we would have fallen behind a lot in that first innings," he said.
Shanto also praised the team's "work ethic", particularly the red-ball specialists. He hopes to use this win as a blueprint for future Test series.
"We certainly haven't played so well over two Test matches. It is something to be proud of," Shanto said. "The way every cricketer worked hard, both with bat and ball. Even those who didn't play. our coaching staff, everyone wanted to raise our bar by trying to win this Test series. I am really proud of these work ethics.
"You always want to beat a quality team like Pakistan in such a dominant fashion. Everyone put in a lot of hard work and dedication in their preparation for this series. We were focused on winning the series, regardless of some players not playing up to expectations. We have to take advantage of this success. I think a bit of fine-tuning and improvement in certain areas, will really help us get better."
Bangladesh were unusually vocal in the field during the Sylhet Test, with several heated exchanges across the two matches. Shanto himself was involved in an altercation with Rizwan on the fourth day. Shanto said having a strong bowling attack behind them gave the side the confidence to engage in those verbal battles.
"When you have a quality bowling attack, we can give back. We can now win those battles with the bowling attack. I think it allows me to set fields to attack the opposition. But this is the beauty of Test cricket. I think it helps the bowlers when you can win those battles. It was nice to see us giving them a tough time," he said.
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