Momentum with India, but Bangladesh can restrict India below 400: Hasan Mahmud

IND vs BAN: Hasan Mahmud said that there is still a chance for Bangladesh to make a comeback if they chip in with early wickets on Day 2 of the Chennai Test.

In Short

• Hasan Mahmud picked up 4 wickets on Day 1
• India were at 339 for 6 at Stumps on the first day
• Mehidy Miraz and Nahid Rana picked up one wicket each

Hasan Mahmud said that Bangladesh can bowl out India for a score of below 400 if their bowlers bend their backs. On Day 1, the Tigers were once in command when India were reeling at 144 for six in 42.2 overs. However, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 195-run partnership made sure that India finished the day at 339 for six in 80 overs.

Mahmud had an excellent day with the bat after he picked up four crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also accounted for a scalp apiece, but once Jadeja and Ashwin started playing their shots, the Bangladeshi bowlers lost their way.

“I think it will be good for us if we can get them all out before 400. The wicket is now much easier to bat on and conditions are batting friendly. We are trying how to put pressure back on India. Hopefully, we can do it,” Mahmud said in the press conference after the day’s play.

‘Need early breakthroughs’

Mahmud admitted that Bangladesh became a little erratic in their line lengths and hence, leaked runs, especially in the final session. But he reckoned that the visitors can stage a comeback and shift the pressure back on the hosts if they chip in with early wickets on Day 2.

“We could have been a bit more disciplined in our bowling. We are trying to hit the right channels and put pressure on the opposition. The momentum is with India, but if we try, we can bowl them out for below 400,” Mahmud said.

“If we can get early breakthroughs, we can make a comeback. The pitch is flat, but it’s possible to keep the batters in check if you bowl well,” Mahmud added.

Among the Bangladeshi bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan had off days. Shakib was introduced into the attack after the 50th over and he gave away 50 runs off eight overs.