SYLHET: Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq said he has faith in his team even though they are facing a tough job on the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
They require 121 more runs and have only three wickets in hand chasing a target of 437. While Mohammad Rizwan 75* gives them a glimmer of hope, Sajid Khan (9*) also chips in with a cameo in the first innings to contribute to their cause.
Asad hoped that Pakistan could avoid being whitewashed in the series and achieve a record-breaking victory.
We can play this game. “If you see today’s batting performance, we are really hopeful; 120-odd runs are left, and Rizwan is batting, and the way Sajid played in the first innings, we are really hopeful,” he said.
The batting coach praised the fightback of the team and said such partnerships were lacking in the series.
That’s a wonderful comeback as a batting unit because we didn’t have those kinds of partnerships this series. These were the things we were missing as a batting unit, but it’s wonderful to see it’s coming off now.” “Our last three innings this series weren’t great, but the way some of our players stood up today makes me very hopeful,” he added.
Asad praised captain Shan Masood for his effort and grit and said his vital knock at an important juncture of the game was a great effort.
“Shan is working very hard in the nets, and it’s just a matter of time before he does well.” He batted really well; he took the pressure on himself, and once he got loose deliveries, he really took advantage of that.
Asad also described the Sylhet pitch as a perfect Test wicket and spoke about the balance between bat and ball.
This is the best Test match wicket you can have. There is something for everyone. Some seam movement for the fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, and a bit of spin. As a batter, you get the value of your hits. I think this is a very good wicket for the test,”, he remarked.
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