‘No excuses’, Mominul says before defending batters

A horrible batting display from the batters saw Bangladesh hit a new low in the longest format of the game as the hosts lost 13 wickets on an eventful fifth and final day to crash to an innings and eight-run defeat to Pakistan in Mirpur yesterday.

Despite rain washing away almost seven sessions of the Test, Bangladesh were in trouble after being bundled out for 87 in the first innings in reply to Pakistan's 300 for 4 and being forced to follow-on. However, the questionable approach from the batters remained unchanged as the Tigers folded for 205 in the second innings.

"It was very disappointing, especially the top four. It was a bad day since yesterday (Tuesday), when we lost seven wickets for just 71 runs. There is nothing to make excuses for. I think we batted very poorly and once again we were 25 for four in the second innings. It was difficult to bat out there but despite that Mushfiq[ur Rahim], Shakib [Al Hasan] and Liton [Das] did well," said Mominul.

Interestingly, Mominul seemed to disagree with the notion that Bangladesh's batters had played aggressive cricket in the first innings, when a majority of the batters threw their wickets away chasing expansive strokes.

"I don't think everyone was out playing aggressive shots and I will support Mushfiq, Liton and everyone. If you noticed, everyone was trying to play according to the merit of the ball. Unfortunately, they were unable to connect. It's very difficult to play too defensively on such wickets but ultimately my dismissal was very ugly because it was not right to look for a single from such a situation," he said.

Mominul was also questioned about the pressure of being the captain of a Test side that had been unable to improve over the years, but he said he was eager to take on tougher challenges, including the upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand.

Sajid Khan ended up picking 12 wickets during the game and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam opined that the off-spinner's eight-wicket haul in the first innings was the turning point of the game.

"I think the turning point was Sajid's spell, the way he picked up eight wickets in the first innings. That gave us momentum. I must also praise the seamers like Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali for picking up those early wickets in the second innings," Babar said.

With a second Test win, Pakistan completed a clean sweep on the tour, having earlier won the three-match T20I series. According to Babar, a total team effort helped his side maintain their purple patch.

"When you have a clear mindset and look to win, I think results go your way. My message was to put the effort and stick to the plan and just express yourself with a positive frame of mind," he said.