Sports Desk

Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim on Sunday credited their long-term preparation for their maiden Test win over Pakistan.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 10 wickets to earn the historic win after 13 failed attempts at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on the back of Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant 191-run innings coupled by combined bowling effort as the host were dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs after resuming the day on 23/1.

Bangladesh reached 30 without loss in 6.3 overs to seal the game.

Bangladesh had a long preparation camp ahead of the series beginning on 25 May while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also opted to send six Test cricketers in Bangladesh A squad for the opening four-day game of the two-match series against Pakistan Shaheens as a part of the preparation.

“First of all, Alhamdulillah thanks to the Almighty. To be honest, this is one of my finest performances so far because we haven't done really well overseas. So that is one of our goals as a team so that we can put on a performance where everyone can see that, how can we improve our batting, especially overseas,” Mushfiqur said in the post-match presentation.

“So I thought credit goes to not only me, I think all the players the way they prepared themselves throughout this tour in Pakistan and also back home. And I was really, really happy. I got all the support from them as well,” he added.

“I just want to share a few things (preparation wise) from myself like before the Test series there was a two, two and a half months gap, right? So we had a pretty special camp back home with the Bangla Tigers and all the local support management was there. And that was really beneficial for all the players, especially for the Test team guys because other guys were playing the T20 World Cup. So that was really helpful,” he further said, adding that he doesn’t feel that age is catching up.

“I never think that I am the oldest, or I am the most experienced because when I meet all these guys this is my luxury and the opportunity to play another Test for my country.”

Mushfiqur added that he wants to donate his prize money to the flood-affected people of Bangladesh.

“I just want to donate my prize money to the flood-affected people. Also I just want to request all the people back home who can donate and also help in this cause to come forward,” Mushfiqur concluded.