Bangladesh displayed a remarkable performance to draw the first Test match against Pakistan and with the second Test starting on Wednesday at Sher-e-Bangla stadium, the Tigers will get another chance to win their first ever Test match against the men in green.
Despite having an upper hand in the first Test at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna, the men in green failed to polish off the game, which they could have done so had Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes not strung a partnership of 300-odd runs for the first wicket in the second innings.
Pakistan had posted a mammoth score of 628 runs in the first innings with huge contribution from Mohammad Hafeez scoring 224 runs. Pakistani batsmen were comfortable against the Bangladeshi bowlers as three other batsmen scored half centuries.
But, the highlight of the first Test was Iqbal's innings of 206 runs and Kayes' 150 runs in the second innings when they were under severe pressure. It is such display by the Bangladeshi players, which helped them win the ODI series and the one-off T20.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have struggled to script a single win in the series, hence the last match of the tour might prove to be a huge one for Pakistan with pride at stake as well. They were unfortunate to draw the first Test, as Pakistan enjoyed a huge lead of 296 runs in the first innings.
On the contrary, this draw might increase Bangladesh's confidence further more.
Former Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar feels the Tigers can go for the kill.
"We can surely go for the kill," NDTV quoted Bashar as saying. "We have a positive mindset which can help us gain an edge over the opponents."
"Our comeback in Khulna raised the team's confidence to a new level. Not many teams can do what we did against a side like Pakistan who have such a versatile bowling attack.
"After such a performance, the boys will naturally look for a win in Dhaka."
One can expect another run feast at Sher-e-Bangla stadium, which might favour the batsmen. So, is another draw on the cards?
On such types of tracks, taking twenty wickets is not easy, but with the pitch expected to wear and tear in the the last two days, spinners might have an important role to play. Still, Pakistan would depend on the quality bowling of Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz with the new ball to make early in-roads.
Pakistan are required to give it their all in the last outing of the series and win the Test series at least.
Where to Watch Live
The second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for 10am local time (9:30am IST, 9am PST, 5am BST, 12am ET) start with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1.
Pakistani viewers can watch the game live on PTV Sports and it can be followed online as well as on Geo Super.
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match on Gazi TV, while cricket fans in the US can watch it live on Willow TV.
People in Europe can watch it live on Super Sport.
