The former Indian batsman obviously did not enter into the bet with his Pakistani counterpart based on Mahmud's abysmal blowing statistics. The right-arm seamer came to Pakistan armed with only one wicket and at the cost of 406 runs in seven Tests.

However by the end of the day, the feisty cricketer may not have won the bet for Manjrekar, but he did something far better to put Bangladesh on the verge of a famous Test win.

The military medium of the 32-year-old all-rounder helped himself to a career-best 4-36 since he made his debut against Zimbabwe in November 2001. He ripped the heart out of the Pakistani batting claiming the wickets of opener Mohammad Hafeez (21), debutant Salman Butt (12), Inzamamul Haq (10) and Younis Khan (34).

His exploits in seaming conditions together with left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique's third five-wicket haul, helped Bangladesh to a significant first -- the Tigers bowled Pakistan out for 175. Before then Bangladesh had never dismissed a Test opponent below the 200-run mark. The effort had more importantly gave them a 106-run lead.

Constantly under media scrutiny, Mahmud knew that his days as Bangladesh captain were numbered if he failed to perform in Pakistan with bat or ball.

He captured only his second wicket in the first Test at Karachi. That was the launching pad for the born-fighter, who took a further three wickets when teams moved to Peshawar.

Mahmud's closest ally in all his troubles was coach Dav Whatmore. Because it was only he who had a great belief in the player he affectionately calls 'chacha.'

For the time being Mahmud has silenced his critics at home and abroad. Besides, he is assured of leading the side until the next series at home against England in October-November.

Mahmud has also played 45 one-day internationals since January 1998 and taken 39 wickets. And interestingly, his best bowling figures in the abridged version (3-31) also came against Pakistan at the 1999 World Cup that saw Bangladesh pull off a historic win.

"I'm very happy to get four wickets because I was under pressure," he said after the end of second day's play.

"I was confident after seeing the wicket on Wednesday that it would help me," he said.

He added that Whatmore and his teammates always stood by him so he never lost confidence.

"I think we have a great chance of winning this match if we can take a lead of around three hundred runs. Our lead is now 183. So, it will be better if can score another 120 runs," concluded Mahmud.