On Monday, Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan emphasized the importance of a composed and patient approach if Bangladesh is to salvage a draw in the second Test against India. The match, marred by interruptions due to poor weather, saw India vigorously pursue a result despite losing two and a half days of play. Powered by rapid half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, India decided to declare their first innings at 285-9, having batted just 34.4 overs after wrapping up Bangladesh for 233 runs in the first innings. At close of play, Bangladesh had reached 26-2 in their second innings, with 11 overs bowled before the stumps were drawn.
In a post-play press conference, Mehidy Hasan shared his thoughts on India’s aggressive tactics and Bangladesh’s response. “Actually they played with a good plan and yes I was surprised. After two-three overs we were thinking that they had a plan. We just played to our strength and tried to restrict the damage to our innings,” Mehidy remarked.
The all-rounder highlighted the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and how quickly scenarios can change, likening some parts of the match to T20 cricket due to the aggressive batting displayed by the Indian lineup. “In Test cricket you can see different scenarios and the way the game turned out it looked like T20 cricket. They planned to come here and play for a win and everyone from top to bottom played for runs and we tried to squeeze the runs,” he said.
Mehidy Hasan underlined that despite the challenging circumstances, Bangladesh is still in a position where they can avoid defeat if they execute their game plan with a composed mind. “In Test cricket anything is possible and it is not a fact that we have lost the match and we have won a lot of matches from here or did well and it is up to us to take the opportunity as the wicket is good for the batters. I think it will be challenging but if the batters can bat well for one session certainly it will be a positive sign for us,” he added.
Discussing the team’s strategy for the final day, Mehidy mentioned that the primary focus was to ensure their safety over seeking a victory. “We need more time if we want to play for a win.
. We have one day left, we will have to give them a target and then take 10 wickets. For now, our safety is more important than thinking about a win from here. We will try to bat for a long time tomorrow. If such a situation arises, then we may play to win. We are thinking about ourselves first,” he pointed out.
Reflecting on the earlier stages of the match, Mehidy expressed disappointment over the lack of support for Mominul Haque, who scored an impressive unbeaten 107. According to Mehidy, more consistent support for Haque could have led to a more favorable position for Bangladesh. “The first innings is very important for Tests and Mominul bhai really batted well we could not give him support and if we could give him support in that case the game could have been different and it would have been better for us,” he said.
Mehidy further praised Mominul’s batting acumen, owing his success to excellent selection and calm temperament. “Mominul’s selection of the ball was very good and he really played well after a while and I feel the temperament was very good and that is why he could score runs.”
The all-rounder also acknowledged Shakib Al Hasan’s stellar bowling performance, highlighting the experience and tactical nous he brings to the team, particularly in scenarios demanding agile responses. “He (Shakib) bowled brilliantly. The way they played on this wicket, keeping that in mind, he did bowl well. He’s an experienced cricketer. They played in the T20 style, and he has had a lot of success in this format, he understood what to do,” Mehidy remarked.
As Bangladesh approaches the final day, the emphasis from Mehidy Hasan clearly indicates a strategy centered on patience, composure, and minimal risks. The all-rounder’s outlook suggests that although a win is theoretically possible, realistic assessment and defensive play might just be the key to avoid a defeat and draw the second Test match against India.