Captain backs Bangladesh to beat Pakistan in Tests

Mashrafe Mortaza backed Bangladesh to inflict more misery on Pakistan in the upcoming Test series after leading his side to a seven-wicket victory in Friday's one-off Twenty20 international.

Pakistan have endured a dismal tour of Bangladesh thus far, having suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the one-day international series before being outplayed again in the shortest format of the game.

Debutant Mustafizur Rahman took 2-20 as Pakistan could only post 141-5 and despite slumping to 38-3 in reply, Bangladesh reached their target with 22 balls to spare courtesy of an unbroken century stand from Shakib Al Hasan (57 not out) and Sabbir Rahman (51no).

It was the first time Pakistan have lost to Bangladesh in a T20 international and they must now turn their attention to restoring some pride in the two-Test series which starts in Khulna next Tuesday.

With the arrivals of the likes of captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, who have not featured in the limited-overs defeats, Pakistan will be expected to secure a series win.

Mashrafe is not involved in the Test set-up, but the limited-overs skipper will be watching on hoping Pakistan suffer more pain in the five-day format.

He said: "It is a nice moment for us. We have been waiting for this for the past six-seven months. We have been working hard. I am sure that the boys will deliver in Tests, too."

Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi was magnanimous in defeat, but expects the tourists to respond in the Test series.

"I want to congratulate Bangladesh," said the all-rounder. "They have great momentum, especially in home conditions. I think our team is balanced in Test cricket. Misbah and Younis will be back for Tests."