'Kept saying to myself that I can'

There have been plenty of occasions in the past when Bangladesh came agonisingly close to beat India but eventually remained unable to pass the final hurdle, and very few did not expect the same outcome as the Tigers tottered on 136 for 9 while chasing 187 in the first ODI in Mirpur on Sunday.

But Mehedi Hasan Miraz had other ideas. He alongside Mustafizur Rahman, courtesy of a record unbeaten 51-run stand for the final wicket stand, helped to drag the hosts out of the jaws of a certain defeat. One of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of Bangladesh cricket was staged, resulting to memorable one-wicket win.

The horrific past, however, kept haunting Miraz even when he was battling it out with Mustafizur under tremendous pressure. This time though, the 25-year-old made sure Bangladesh eventually broke the barriers of beating India in a nail-biting encounter.

"We had the belief as obviously we needed this win since we have lost quite a few close games against India in the past but it feels great that we eventually won the game today," Miraz told the media during the post-match press conference on Sunday.

"To be very honest, I had the belief that we are going to win. Many may feel that I am crazy but I had the belief as I was constantly telling myself that yes, I can. I was very clear about my game plan,"

It was Bangladesh's sixth win over India in the fifty-over format and player-of-the-match Miraz gave credit to Mustafizur for giving him the support from the other end.

"He [Mustafizur Rahman] is a very good friend of mine and he gave good support. I like the fact that he was very confident. He kept telling me that there is no need to worry about him, and that he won't get out even if the ball hit his body. By watching his confidence, it also helped to gain mine as well," he said.