Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan on Saturday said his recent unbeaten hundred against India A helped him to score his maiden Test hundred against India in Chattogram.

Zakir struck a scintillating 100 runs off 224 balls that included 12 fours and a six in the second innings to announce his arrival in Test cricket after making 20 runs in the first innings. 

“That innings (173 not out against India A) provided me with a lot of confidence. I was trying to follow the same process of that innings. It was in the back of my mind that I must stick to the process when playing the innings,” the 24-year-old told reporters after the end of the fourth day’s play.

“I feel good scoring a hundred. I didn’t have many expectations and all I wanted was to bat long since we are facing two days and a big total,” he said.

“I wanted to bat a little longer for the team. It might be easier for the team,” he said, adding that he was not very uncomfortable coming to open the innings though it was not his preferred position.

“I have usually batted at No 3 and 4. I haven’t opened the batting much. I usually face the new ball in first-class cricket. At times you get to bat after the first ball if you are at No 3, so you have to face the new ball. I was confident,” he said, adding that he was not too carried away despite playing his first Test.

“I was trying to follow the way I bat in first-class cricket. I didn’t want to think this was a big Test match. I tried to be as simple as possible,” he said, adding that playing with Dukes in the National Cricket League also benefited him.