In 2003, Bangladesh faced one of their most significant setbacks in the red-ball format in Multan, Pakistan.
Yet, the Tigers’ 10-wicket triumph in Rawalpindi yesterday might help to alleviate the disappointment of that Test defeat.
Habibul Bashar and Alok Kapali, who were part of the Bangladesh team that lost the Multan Test against Pakistan in 2003, have shared their perspectives on the Tigers’ victory in Rawalpindi.
Habibul Bashar said, “People often ask if I’ve managed to move past the sorrow of the Multan Test. My response is no. That Test was special as we were in the early years of our Test status. However, I am incredibly proud of this victory. Our team outplayed Pakistan to secure a thrilling Test win. The pitch remained fairly consistent, aside from the Shaheen dismissal. We should take pride in our bowling performance on the fifth day.”
Alok Kapali said, “Inzamam [Ul Haq] was exceptional, and a few umpiring decisions didn’t favour us. It was largely bad luck, and it troubled us for quite some time. Things could have been different if we had won. I believe this victory could herald a new era for Bangladesh in Tests. Winning away from home, particularly against Pakistan in Pakistan, is a significant achievement. We haven’t been consistent in Tests, but this could be the beginning.”
