‘Amazing’ Mominul ‘had a point to prove’ – Tamim

Centurion Mominul Haque reacted in a very unusual fashion when he reached three figures against Sri Lanka on day one of the first Test in Chittagong.

The usually restrained Mominul Haque had a mighty scowl on his face when he thumped the ball through mid-off to bring up his hundred. Batting partner Mushfiqur Rahim tried to hug Bangladesh's No.3 batsman but Mominul refused to smile. "He had a point to prove," said teammate Tamim Iqbal after play. "I liked what he did. I understood what he meant."

Following their victory over Bangladesh in the final of the ODI tri-series, Sri Lanka failed to carry any momentum into the Test arena on day one. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Bangladesh reached 374/4 by the close of play, largely fuelled by a 236-run stand from Mominul (175*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (92).

Mominul built on the sprightly start provided by Tamim and Imrul Kayes, with boundaries coming consistently throughout his innings, freeing his arms and driving with confidence on an excellent batting wicket against a below-par Sri Lanka attack.

"Mominul was amazing throughout the day," said Tamim, who ignited Bangladesh's innings with a 53-ball 52. "He kept on playing the shots. He had a 103 strike-rate when he reached his 100. We knew it was a nice wicket to bat on, so it was most important for us not to throw our wicket [away]. It is normal for a batsman to get overexcited on such a wicket, and play a risky shot. He knew how important his wicket is for us. We needed their big partnership. If there was a ball to hit, they did it very well. Mominul is still not out, so I am sure he will go a long way."

Tamim believes Bangladesh have put themselves in a strong position, even though their bowlers could face similar toil in the second innings. "I hope the wicket becomes difficult from tomorrow when they come to bat," he said. "Our responsibility would be to capitalise on this position. A big score always puts pressure [on the opposition] regardless of the pitch."

Sri Lanka batting coach Thilan Samaraweera acknowledged that their bowlers were not good enough today. “Sri Lanka leaked 40 runs too many, but given the state of the pitch, they might be well-placed if they keep Bangladesh to less than 500," he said. "I feel that until day three this is a good pitch to bat on. It will turn slowly from then on.”