'The victory was unbelievable'

Bangladesh's second-string unit came back from the brink of defeat yesterday to score an exciting win and keep the series alive. It was an effort that pleased both chief selector Faruque Ahmed and coach Heath Streak, both of who are currently with the team in Bangalore.

Speaking to The Daily Star over phone yesterday, both Faruque and Streak praised the team for the resilience that they showed on the field.

"It was an unbelievable win," an excited Faruque said.

"They [India A] were probably thinking that when we were five down, they would just bundle us out, but Nasir [Hossain] came back with a brilliant 100. Rubel [Hossain] bowled amazingly as well. We always kept the pressure on them despite the low score," he added.

He had special words reserved for Nasir.

"It was a special performance from a special man. He has been doing well for the past year, but he hasn’t been getting chances to bat. He really showed his class today," said Faruque.

Coach Streak shared Faruque's sentiments and said that the team showed 'good character' during the game.

"250 on that wicket is a low score. We lost wickets early which was disappointing, but the boys fought back.

"I thought Liton [Das] and Nasir were once again brilliant and the also tailenders batted quite responsibly. Our bowlers were obviously really good and we also performed exceptionally on the field," said Streak.

Streak -- who looks after the national team's pacers -- was delighted with the way Rubel bowled yesterday. Rubel ended the day with figures of 4 for 33. Of his four wickets, three of them hit timber.

"It was a good sight to behold. I thought it was a very fierce spell. He was really quick and there was a bit of grass on the wicket. Mominul [Islam] brought him on in the middle overs to get wickets and that's exactly what he did. When he is in good rhythm, anything can happen," said Streak.

However, the Zimbabwean believes that his batters still have plenty of room to improve and can put up a much better show.

"If you stay on the wicket for 10 to 15 overs then it becomes an excellent wicket to bat on. They know that they can do better. We just need to be a little more cautious and capitalise towards the end," he concluded.