As Ebadot Hossain returned to the locker room, fans shouted, “Ebadot! Ebadot!” This meant that Bangladesh had finally found new heroes to root for. While the Tigers’ innings fell well short of expectations at 382 all out, with Bangladesh taking a commanding lead after day two of the lone Test against Afghanistan, the Tigers’ pacers made the most of the chance presented by the circumstances.
A lucky break like the one Bangladesh had happens seldom in Test cricket. Both teams had seen the greenish top as an opportunity to bowl first, but Afghanistan’s victory at the toss left them confused since the ball hardly moved. Bangladesh scored at a rate of more than 4.5 runs per over on the first day, making it a favourable day to lose the toss.
While Najmul Hossain scored an aggressive 146, Mahmudul Hasan Joy hung around to make 76, which proved crucial. Since Bangladesh batted when Mirpur was in its finest batting condition as a seaming track, their 212-run partnership was crucial.
Bangladesh’s innings was shattered in only seven overs on the second day, six of which came after the new ball had been taken. This was the case despite the presence of the seasoned Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan at the crease. However, the Bangladeshi pacers were inspired by their more dangerous Afghan counterparts as the latter ran amok in the early session.
A crisp, rising delivery that Mushfiqur Rahim could only deflect to the slip cordon proved to be his undoing. On this somewhat overcast and moderately windy day, the Bangladeshi team took their inspiration from the bounce and movement on offer, particularly from the pace trio.
When Afghan opener Abdul Malik was out, Ebadot joined Nijatullah Masood in getting him out with a nasty rising delivery.
“We lost wickets, but it didn’t matter since we scored so many runs. “We wanted to get on the field early and get their wickets as soon as possible because the weather was gloomy,” Ebadot said, adding that he always had faith in his team.
When asked whether he found inspiration in the Nijatullah’s efforts to free Mushfiqur, he said, “Certainly.” Since the weather was fine, everybody were in a lively mood. I bowled best when the wind was at my back.
The rapid reversal was completed by Ebadot’s four for 47 and Shoriful’s two for 28 as Afghanistan were bowled out for 146 in 39 overs.
With Shanto and Zakir Hasan both undefeated on 54 off 64 deliveries, Bangladesh finished the second day with a 370-run advantage.
Despite Afghanistan’s comeback with the ball on Day Two, Bangladesh controlled proceedings, suggesting that Chandika Hathurusingha found some answers to his questions about his hitters and pacers despite Afghanistan’s inexperience in the format.