Same strategy as Khulna?

When something big is achieved, dreams become only bigger. Tigers' stupendous performance in the Khulna Test thus triggered high hopes ahead of the second and final Test against Pakistan that begins at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur tomorrow.

Nothing would be better than a winning finish to this memorable home series against Pakistan. The way this Bangladesh team has so far made the impossible possible, especially after their glorious fight-back in the Khulna Test, one cannot blame someone if he or she dreams of a victory in the last game. But realistically speaking, can the Bangladesh team management chalk up a plan with victory in mind?

For a result in the Mirpur Test, the management should make sure that the bowlers get some extra juice from the pitch in Mirpur, unlike the Khulna surface. Normally the Mirpur pitch tends to be a more sporting wicket and is likely to offer more bounce. So, if the Tigers want to go for a win, this would be the perfect occasion. However, according to sources, the Bangladesh think-tank isn't getting too excited.

The notion is that it would be unwise to underestimate the variety and strength of the Pakistan bowling attack. On the other hand, Bangladesh's batting has been showing a lot of maturity and the team management can keep its confidence in the batsmen.

However, the policy of using eight batsmen in the side is one that isn't helping the hosts by any means. Though Shakib Al Hasan claimed before the Khulna Test that Bangladesh has a better bowling attack than their opponents, their bowling performance at Khulna hardly reflected his words and most importantly the question remains whether this attack has got the ability to take 20 wickets to win a Test match.

And that's why Bangladesh want to bank on their batting performance rather than thinking of providing any extra advantage for the bowlers. Bangladesh want to prove that they are a difficult side to beat in both Tests and ODIs at home. While it's a draw that they are hoping for, they definitely won't shy away from grabbing a chance to win, especially when Pakistan are under huge pressure.