Whatmore devastated by defeat

Bangladesh's coach Dav Whatmore was bitterly disappointed at the manner of his team's defeat in the second Test at Peshawar, after they had matched Pakistan stride for stride over the first three days.

Bangladesh had even been in command at one point, after establishing a 66-run first-innings lead, but they were bundled out for 92 second-time around. "I am speechless and at a loss to describe the reversal in this match," Whatmore said. "I would say it is a mental thing with the team. They come so far and are unable to give the final push. We were in a position to win the match."

"The wicket was a bit up and down today," admitted Whatmore. "But still, it is a big let-down given that we had won the toss and put up a big total." Bangladesh's record since becoming a Test-playing nation in November 2000 now stands at 22 defeats and one draw from 23 matches.

However Khaled Mahmud, Bangladesh's captain, was more upbeat. "I am not disappointed nor do I think it is a mental thing with the players," he said. "I think everyone tried hard. But I think Shoaib Akhtar was the difference between the two sides. He bowled very fast and swung the ball even on this pitch. He is a world-class bowler." Shoaib's match figures of 10 for 79 were the best of his career.

"We have set ourselves small targets in every match," added Mahmud. "And I think since the Australian tour we are improving with every match. I don't think anyone expected us to push Pakistan this much."

Shoaib admitted that he had enjoyed the responsibility of leading Pakistan's attack. "When the captain expects from you as a senior player you must bowl well even if you don't get wickets," he said, after completing 100 career wickets in the Test. "I did not know about getting 10 wickets for the first time and about my 100 wickets, but I was more concerned about finishing the match."

"Shoaib is a world-class performer and helped us come back from behind," said a grateful Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif. "He made the difference for us. We never expected that we would get them out for 96 after conceding a lead but it was a good team effort led by Shoaib."

Javed Miandad, Pakistan's coach, said that the rebuilding of his side was firmly on track. "After playing well in three one-day tournaments, this Test series against Bangladesh provided us with a chance to analyse weaknesses and now we are progressing well," said Miandad. "We have analysed what are the weaknesses before the series against South Africa later this month. We came back, chased and won from bad positions in both the Tests."

Miandad admitted that the Karachi Test gave Pakistan a sleepless night, and that "the way Bangladesh have played in the two Tests showed they have the potential to improve."

The third and final Test begins in Multan on Wednesday.