Ban vs Pak: Asad Shafiq hopeful that Pakistan can win the Sylhet Test

Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq is upbeat that Pakistan can pull off a world-record chase against Bangladesh, as the team ended the fourth day 121 runs short of the target. Pakistan’s batters reduced the deficit, but in doing so, they lost plenty of wickets. They now have three wickets in hand and a monumental task ahead of them.

Shafiq backs Rizwan, Sajid to fight back

But Shafiq believes Pakistan still have decent chances to turn the game around and avoid what seems to be a potential 2-0 clean sweep. Speaking to the media after the close of play on the fourth day, Shafiq placed his hopes on the only surviving specialist batter, Mohammad Rizwan, who will resume batting on the final day alongside Pakistan’s No. 8, Sajid Khan.

“We can win this game. If you look at today’s batting performance, we are really hopeful. Around 120 runs are still needed, Rizwan is batting, and considering the way Sajid played in the first innings, we are confident,” he said.

Pakistan recover after top-order collapse

At the start of the fourth day, Pakistan’s chances of even surviving the day were slim. That feeling was further cemented when they lost their openers within the first hour. There was some quick scoring by Babar Azam and Shan Masood, but much to Pakistan’s chagrin, it could not last long. The visitors seemed to be heading down a familiar slippery slope, but Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan then engineered a recovery. The two batters added 134 runs off 224 balls before Salman Ali Agha was undone by Taijul Islam’s clever use of the new ball.

“That was an amazing comeback as a batting unit because we did not have such partnerships earlier in the series. These were the things we were missing as a batting group, so it is encouraging to see them finally coming together. Our previous three innings in this series were not good enough, but the way some of the players stood up today gives me a lot of hope,” he added.

Shafiq praises Sylhet surface

The surface has offered plenty for both batters and bowlers. Among the bowlers, both spinners and pacers have reaped rewards, which is what makes Shafiq excited about the contest heading into the final day. The Pakistan batting coach believes the Sylhet surface checks every box for a good Test wicket.

“I think this is the best kind of Test track you can have. There is something in it for everyone — a bit of spin and some seam movement for the fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. As a batter, you get value for your shots. I believe this is an excellent Test wicket,” he observed.

Pakistan will begin the fifth day on 316/7. Three wickets are all the home team need to make history. Whether those come quickly or after another 121 runs remains the unanswered question for now.g

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