The Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has cited that the batting collapse in the first test of the South Africa tour of Bangladesh 2024 caused the 7-wicket defeat at Sher-e-Bangla.
South Africa has gained confidence after a test win led by captain Aiden Markram. They completed the match before lunch on day 04. The top four contributed 105 runs in the match and the collapse on the first day had a greater impact on the match.
Mehidy Hasan’s performance in the lower order saved them from an innings defeat. Mehidy scored 97 in the second innings to put South Africa to bat again.
While speaking at the post-match conference, Mehidy said, “Everything was in our favour as we won the toss and decided to bat first,” Mehidy said.
“It is hard to bat on the fourth day on this wicket so we prepared ourselves in that way. We couldn’t score runs, unfortunately. If we could have scored our second innings runs in the first…”
“We were in the back foot in the first innings. We were bowled out before the second session on the first day. 106 all out. First innings runs are very important in Test cricket.”
He spoke about the importance of decision-making and counts on the top order to contribute again.
“I think decision-making is an important aspect [of batting],” Mehidy said. “We would do better as a team if the top order starts contributing again. We did it in Pakistan where the top four were contributing to the total.”
“When the openers start well, it makes life easier for the rest of the batters. When the No. 5 and 6 batters are playing against the new ball, life becomes hard.”
Despite citing the top order collapse, he also said that the side is improving the top order. “We are working on how to improve the top order. I am hopeful that we will figure out where to improve in the coming matches.
“Batters have to take more responsibility. Lack of runs on the board makes life difficult for the bowlers. We bowled well despite all the pressure. Taijul [Islam] bhai bowled really well.”
“We discussed that not all the batters will score every day. But at least three or four batters should turn their starts into big ones.”
He also spoke about batting at pressured situations. “I always try to enjoy pressure situations,” he said while trying to explain his success. “I see it as an opportunity to become a hero. I am happy to be making use of opportunities. I bat in a difficult position.”
“I know that if I bat well from my position, the team may do well. If I don’t do well, the team won’t get a result. I am mentally trying to prepare myself to score runs. I am always trying to get better. I started with a 1.5 batting average. I have improved quite a bit now.
“I have worked at batting against the new ball because sometimes I have to bat against the second new ball. I have worked on surviving as a batter, how to score runs and then how to dominate the bowlers.”
“I have shared my thoughts with those who are less experienced in the dressing room, just like my seniors shared ideas with me.”
He also spoke about himself taking the position of the retired Shakib Al Hasan. “Everyone says I will take Shakib bhai’s place. He is a legend who has achieved a lot over 17 years. He batted higher up the order. He has been scoring runs since early in his career.”
“I have started scoring runs consistently in the last one or two years. I bat at No. 7 or 8. Shakib is in his place, I am in my place. I think it’s best not to compare us,” Mehidy said.
South Africa has moved to the fourth position while Bangladesh secured 7th position in the WTC points table.
The second test of the Bangladesh South Africa tests will begin on October 29 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
