Mominul Haque mixed jokes with honesty after Bangladesh’s strong first day against Pakistan, as the senior batter admitted he did feel a little regret after missing out on a century.
Bangladesh ended day one on 301 for 4 after a brilliant recovery from early trouble, with Mominul scoring 91 and sharing a record 170-run stand with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
After the match, Mominul was asked if missing another hundred left him frustrated.
“No, there was no regret before. Today, there was a little. That too because of fear that my wife might scold me.”
The comment brought laughter, but Mominul quickly made clear that his focus remained on helping the team.
“After getting out, I felt bad for two or three minutes. But for me, daily runs and contributing for the team are more important than a hundred.”
Bangladesh had lost both openers for just 31 runs on a difficult Mirpur surface, where the new ball created major problems. Mominul said the conditions were challenging from the start.
“Overall, from the start, this wicket had a lot of challenge with the new ball. You could see the ball moving and seaming both ways.”
Because of that, he never felt he was batting too slowly.
“I did not feel I became too slow. There was no pressure for quick runs. My target was to bat normally for that one hour.”
While Mominul held one end with patience, Shanto changed the game with aggressive strokeplay. The Bangladesh captain’s counterattack pushed Pakistan back after their early dominance.
“In these conditions, when someone counter attacks, bowlers become nervous. Full credit to Shanto.”
Mominul rated the captain’s innings very highly and called it one of Shanto’s finest knocks.
“In my eyes, this was one of his best innings. From the start, the way he dominated was outstanding.”
He also believes Shanto is now enjoying the best form of his career.
“He is in outstanding form. He is in the best form of his life.”
Mominul explained that Shanto’s bold movement outside the crease against Mohammad Abbas was not random, but a clear tactical move.
“If you stay in one place against Abbas, it becomes difficult because the ball moves both ways.”
Despite Bangladesh’s strong finish, Mominul believes the job is only half done. He pointed to the first hour on day two as the key period.
“Tomorrow morning’s first hour is very important. If we can get through that without losing wickets, then 400 to 500 runs is possible.”
For Bangladesh, day one belonged to discipline, recovery, and smart batting. For Mominul, it was another reminder that team contribution still matters more than personal landmarks.
