Ashraful Confident Bangladesh Can Overcome Rain Threat And Pakistan In Mirpur

Former Bangladesh batter Mohammad Ashraful is confident that the Tigers can win the ongoing Mirpur test. He believes Bangladesh can bowl Pakistan out in the second innings, provided they set a good total on the board to put them under pressure.

For the unversed, the day four of the Mirpur test was marred badly due to rain. Still, the Tigers are looking good at the crease, as they have managed to score 152 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Speaking after the match, former Bangladesh batter Mohammad Ashraful said the team has not declared yet, which means they can set a decent total for Pakistan on the final day of the test match.

"We want to win this Test match. If we can bowl 70 or 75 overs, we can bowl them out. We haven't decided when we will declare the innings, but I think there is still enough time for us to win the game." said Mohammad Ashraful.

He also urged the batters to play with caution, saying that taking unnecessary risks against Pakistan could backfire for them.

"We have to continue batting well tomorrow. It is a wicket that demands you to bat properly. You must have seen how teams have been hurt by an ordinary third innings ever after scoring 400-500 runs, especially in the last four or five years of Test cricket.” said Mohammad Ashraful.

Ashraful then gave credit to the Bangladeshi batters, saying all three including Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim played sensibly according to a simple plan.

"Mominul and Shanto batted really well during their century partnership. Mushfiq [Mushfiqur Rahim] was also putting away the bad balls. I think we are sticking to a simple plan." said Mohammad Ashraful.

He then offered his support to the opening batters, saying they will soon start scoring runs just like they did in the previous series.

"I am not worried about the openers. We had three big opening stands in the last Test series [against Ireland]. I think Joy scored something like 235-265 runs. He had a career-best 171 against Ireland. Shadman scored around 190 runs.” said Mohammad Ashraful.