Bangladesh look to give their best in last Test

Bangladesh dominated the first Test

Mirpur (Bangladesh), July 29 (IANS) Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal says the cricket series against South Africa will be one of the best if they can maintain their all-round performance until the end in the last Test here.

Bangladesh had a rough start but improved after losing two Twenty20 Internationals and the first One-Day International (ODI). The hosts turned the table on the Proteas by beating the fourth-ranked team in ODIs in the last two matches to take the series, reports bdnews24.com.

They also proved their might in the first three days of the first Test in Chittagong with a good show before rain washed out the last two days.

Bangladesh are set to face the visitors in the second and final Test which will begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Thursday.

"We played better until the game was drawn in Chittagong. If we can continue the way we played there, this will be a very good series for Bangladesh," said Tamim.

But that would be very tough against the No.1 Test team, said the vice-captain, adding that everyone would have to give their best.

"In ODIs, you can make up by doing well in one department if you do badly in another. But in Tests, you have to perform better in every area. We have to keep our wickets and put up steady and big partnerships. However, the results won't be in our favour if we can't take 20 wickets even after scoring big. We'll have to play well keeping our focus," said Tamim.

After Bangladesh's bright show in Chittagong, the Proteas need to be cautious and play their best if they want to win.

Tamim said his hope to beat the top Test side was raised by the uncertainty of the game and Bangladesh's recent run of good performances.

"Beating them will be very tough because South Africa are a very strong opponent in Tests. They have no weak points. But then again, anything can happen in cricket. We played well in the ODIs and in Chittagong. No quarters will be given to South Africa. We'll try that way," said the aggressive opener.

The hosts plan to do well in the first session. The left-hander said it would be easier to control the match if the first session went Bangladesh's way.

"The first session is very important. If we can either bat or bowl well, then we'll just have to follow that rhythm. I hope we'll be able to play a great Test," he said.