A worthy realisation for Saif

Saif Hasan's childhood dream came true when he opened the innings with star Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal in the first ICC World Test Championship match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi earlier this month. Now, the right-hander's aim was to build a long opening partnership with the seasoned campaigner, but he is well aware that he still has a long way to go to realise his second dream. It was not a dream debut for the young man against Pakistan but his scores of 0 and 16 taught him some good lessons.

"I was aware that Test cricket would not be easy but so far I did everything [possible] to reach this point. When I say not easy, I mean that international cricket is not like the game that I have been playing in the domestic circuit. We have to be mentally prepared and must prolong the innings if we get the chance," said Saif yesterday.

While talking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Saif said that the team has been working on making a fresh start against Zimbabwe in the one-off Test.

"We sat together after the last Test defeat against Pakistan. Everyone is trying and planning on making a fresh start."