'We were outclassed'

Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq praised Bangladesh's fightback after the first Test between the two sides in Khulna ended as a draw yesterday. Misbah opined that it was Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes's counter-attack strategy that took the game away from them.

"They put pressure on us right form the start and that shocked our bowlers and made them lose their way. This happens. When bowlers are unexpectedly under pressure they go off line and of course sometimes we didn't have the discipline. They also played extraordinary shots," said Misbah at the post-match press conference yesterday.

While he was disappointed with the draw, he believed that his bowlers didn't make too many mistakes.

"Obviously with a lead of around 296, you are expected to win. You have got to appreciate the opposition for such a strong comeback. You can't say we made mistakes. The bowlers did whatever was required of them. We could have done better, but that's how it ends.

"The opposition outclassed us and their innings' were special. They didn't give us any chance that we could have grabbed. But it was definitely disappointing that we couldn't produce the result," said the 40-year-old skipper.

"When the lead gets stripped off within 61 overs on such a track it is quite obvious that the match will head towards a draw. Had we broken the stand on day four, the result could have been different," he added.

Misbah further stated that they were surprised by Bangladesh's tactic.

"All credit to the two of them. They saved the Test in those two sessions on the fourth day. It was quite impressive. They took their chances. To score those knocks after fielding for so long… that was surprising for us," said Misbah.