Young Bangladesh batsman Mahmadullah Riad was a happy man on Sunday as his top score of unbeaten 96 on the opening day of the first cricket Test received kudos from the visiting Indian players.
Addressing the media at the press conference after the first day's play, Mahmadullah said he was patted on the back by senior Indian players Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.
"Yuvraj said it was a good knock and I deserved to get a century. Bhajji said well played. I am very happy," said Mahmadullah, who had said in Chittagong that Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was his role model. Mahmadullah felt there was something wrong with the top-order batting as they had collapsed in the first Test in Chittagong also.
"There is something wrong with the top-order but the batsmen have been trying to work out the problems at the nets. I think they will get back to their form," he said.
Mahmadullah said he was not disappointed at not getting what would have been his maiden century.
"I am not disappointed at not getting the hundred. I am happy that I have helped the team to score a good total after losing early wickets," said the 23-year-old. Mahmadullah also gave credit to the Indian bowlers but said he remained positive throughout his innings.
"They are very good bowlers and they bowled at the right areas. They were also helped by the early moisture. I had to work hard but I remained positive throughout," he said.
Mahmadullah did not think that captain Shakib Al Hasan's decision to bat first was not a correct one. "Shakib was right that runs can be scored on this pitch. But our top order did not play well," he said.
Asked whether his side was under any pressure after their board president questioned the commitment of the players, Mahmadullah said, "We are not under any pressure. Regarding the president's remarks I don't have any comments." PTI
