It was not because of any memory lapse but because of a man who had stood tall to salvage the blushes and had done it in some style.

That man was none other than Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.

It could have been a nightmarish day for the Tigers after the top batsmen gifted their wickets away one after another but the 23-year old cricketer, dubbed the 'Narail Express' once again showed his character to give his side certain momentum in the rain-effected match.

If his wholehearted bowling was not good enough then he came up with his best as a batsman to help his country avoid a follow-on in the first match. The right-arm paceman was not only most successful bowler in the first innings with a figure of 4-97 but also hit his career best 79 to keep his team in contention.

"What I can only say is that he was simply fantastic, fantastic. But you all know that he has the quality to deliver for the team in such a way. Because of him and Shahadat we survived on the day. Mashrafe just gave a very strong indication today that he is shaping brilliantly as an all-rounder," said an excited Bashar, who let his team down by making a second-ball duck.

Mashrafe however was not ready to consider himself as an all-rounder although many rated his 92-ball knock highly, especially the way he kept his cool and smashed the bad balls to take the challenge of overcoming the 39-run barrier to save the follow-on.

"My main duty is to bowl well. I think there is lot of scope to improve my bowling. But I also always try to give my best also in the other departments including the batting. What I thought today was that I will not let go without a fight. I like to take challenges and I am happy that I could do something for my team," said Mashrafe in a press meet.

He praised his partner Shahadat Hossain who helped make it possible.

"I believe in my partner and I must say Rajib (Shahadat) played brilliantly. If I didn't get the support from him then it would not be possible" said the courageous cricketer, who along with Shahadat achieved a highest nine-wicket Bangladesh partnership during the 77-run essay.

Mashrafe also admitted that that the possibility of a half-century was in his mind.

The job seemed impossible as Bangladesh lost eight wickets for 149 runs, still 39 runs behind to force India to bat again.

But the two new ball partner's valiant effort not only made it possible but also gave the home team a lifeline.

"Dav (Whatmore) told me that I have to make a fifty to save the team which worked as a motivation for me," he added.

"I don't think I got an extra motivation against India because always try to give hundred percent against any opponents. I just try to play my natural game," said Mashrafe, who claimed a four-wicket haul against India to script a glorious five-wicket victory in the World Cup in West Indies.

"There was a chance for me to make my first hundred but Shahadat dismissal ended it," he added.