Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy has expressed confidence that a target of 350 runs is achievable on the final day of the second Test against the West Indies, provided the hosts secure a strong start. Heading into the final day in Sylhet, the West Indies hold a commanding position after finishing Day 4 at 345 for 3 in their second innings, extending their lead to 315 runs. Kavem Hodge is currently unbeaten on 140, joined by Amir Jangoo on 20, setting the stage for a critical final session. Producing a marathon unbeaten 242 that helped Bangladesh recover from a precarious position and secure a first-innings lead, he responded emphatically with the bat in Sylhet.
Hridoy, who anchored the Bangladesh first innings with an unbeaten 242, believes the surface at Sylhet is still conducive to batting. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, the right-hander noted, “Look, it will depend on how we start. The wicket is still good. If we can start well first, then I think it’s possible to chase. But it’s still not possible to say what will happen tomorrow. We will have to see how many runs they target, then we’ll plan accordingly.” The fifth day tomorrow is definitely a very important day. “First I want to say thanks to Allah that I was able to contribute to the team. You are always the ones who speak for us, speak positively, the day we do well. And Mushfiq Bhai is not just happy for me, he is always very happy and supportive whenever any player in the team performs, whether it’s a batsman or a bowler,” he added, mushfiq Bhai was also very happy. I tried to contribute as much as possible for the team,” he said. “As a set batsman, I always tried to get as much as possible from them (tail) whether with a couple of words or a couple of plans. But at the same time, I will say that the way they batted was outstanding.
Regarding the importance of the final day, Hridoy emphasized that the opening phase of play would dictate the tempo.
He reiterated that while 350 is a tall order, the batting-friendly nature of the pitch keeps the team’s hopes alive. Addressing his personal form, Hridoy dismissed recent scrutiny over his shot selection during the first Test in Dhaka, stating that he views both praise and criticism as inherent parts of a professional athlete’s career. He remarked that there is significant value in learning from criticism when approached with the right mindset. According to hridoy also, He takes criticism in his stride and does not allow it to affect him, recognising that both praise and criticism are part and parcel of a professional sportsperson’s life. Where his shot selection in two dismissals attracted criticism and prompted questions about his suitability for the longer format, his place in the Test XI had come under scrutiny following the opening Test against West Indies in Dhaka. There will be criticism, in your profession or any profession.
Discussing his record-breaking 242-run innings, Hridoy maintained that he did not focus on personal milestones or surpassing Mushfiqur Rahim’s records while at the crease. Instead, his priority was fighting to put the team in a competitive position. He praised the support he received from his teammates, specifically noting how Mushfiqur Rahim consistently celebrates the success of others, whether they are bowlers or batters.
Hridoy also provided insight into his crucial lower-order partnerships, which proved vital to Bangladesh’s first-innings recovery. He shared an 117-run stand with Taijul Islam for the eighth wicket and added 85 runs with Taskin Ahmed for the ninth. The young batter credited his partners for their resilience, noting that he tried to provide guidance and tactical input while they were batting together. He highlighted their ability to handle pressure and execute the team’s plan effectively, which ultimately allowed the side to reach a respectable total. He added 117 runs with Taijul (22) for the eighth wicket before putting on another 85 with Taskin (12) for the ninth.
When asked if this career-best effort stands as his most significant performance, Hridoy remained humble. While he acknowledged that the innings provided a substantial confidence boost, he declined to label it as his definitive “special” performance. For now, the focus remains entirely on the team’s collective effort as they prepare to face the final day’s challenge against the West Indian bowlers.
