Shadman rues late collapse against Afghanistan

Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam admitted his side could have made a better start after losing eight wickets on the opening day of the Test against Afghanistan on Friday, despite enjoying a good batting surface.

Shadman said Bangladesh handled Afghanistan’s bowlers well in the morning session and built a promising partnership, but the visitors fought back strongly after lunch to put the hosts under pressure.

“Alhamdulillah, we handled the Afghanistan bowlers very well in the morning and also built a good partnership. However, they made a very good comeback after lunch, and the bowlers managed to pick up some important wickets,” Shadman said.

The 31-year-old described the pitch as very good for batting but lamented Bangladesh’s sudden loss of wickets after a big partnership.

“Considering the way we batted from the morning, Alhamdulillah, it was a very good pitch for batting,” he added.