<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Litton Das, the stand-in Test captain of Bangladesh, applauded the pace-bowling department for their exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test match against Afghanistan.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Bangladeshi pace-bowling lineup claimed 14 wickets in this match, marking the first instance of Bangladeshi pacers taking such a tally in a Test match.</div><div><br></div><div>In the first innings, Ebadot Hossain secured four wickets, contributing to Bangladesh's significant lead by dismantling Afghanistan for just 146 runs. Taskin Ahmed also impressed in the second innings, taking four wickets to dismiss Afghanistan for a mere 115 runs.</div><div><br></div><div>The pacers' outstanding performance led to a massive 546-run victory for Bangladesh, their largest-ever win by runs in Test cricket. This victory also stands as the largest margin of victory by runs in Tests in the current century.</div><div><br></div><div>Acknowledging this historic achievement, Litton described the pacers as the main architects behind Bangladesh's remarkable win.</div><div><br></div><div>"As a captain, I'm extremely delighted," Litton expressed during the post-match press conference. "Playing with three pacers in Mirpur is not something we usually do. I believe the spin-friendly nature of the wicket was a contributing factor."</div><div><br></div><div>However, this time, the wicket displayed friendliness towards the pacers, offering some assistance. The interim captain of Bangladesh attributed the pacers' success to the wicket conditions.</div><div><br></div><div>Litton also mentioned that as the pacers continue to perform well in international matches, they face increasing challenges while practicing against their own bowlers in the nets.</div><div><br></div><div>Emphasizing the importance of sporting wickets, Litton stressed the need for creating an ideal environment that boosts the bowlers' confidence and allows them to showcase their skills.</div><div><br></div><div>Afghanistan is set to return to Bangladesh in July for a three-match ODI and two-match T20 series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already announced the ODI squad for the series, which will take place in Chattogram from July 5 to 11. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>