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SYLHET: Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq remained confident despite an uphill task on the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a target of 437, the visitors will need 121 more runs with only three wickets in hand. Mohammad Rizwan 75* offers a flicker of hope alongside Sajid Khan (9*), whose first-innings cameo also adds to their cause.
Asad remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of avoiding a series whitewash and pulling off a record-breaking win.
“We can win this game. If you see today’s batting performance, we’re 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 hailed the team’s fightback, saying such partnerships had been missing throughout the series.
“That’s an amazing comeback as a batting unit because we didn’t have those kinds of partnerships this series. These things we were missing as a batting unit, but it’s really good to see it’s coming off now. Our previous three innings this series were not that great, but the way a few of our players stood up today makes me very hopeful,” he added.
Regarding skipper Shan Masood’s form, Asad praised his hard work and determination, highlighting his crucial knock at an important juncture of the game.
“He’s [Shan] trying really hard in the nets, and it’s just a matter of time that he does well. He batted really well, absorbed the pressure, and once he got loose deliveries, he really capitalised on that.”
Asad also described the Sylhet pitch as an ideal Test wicket, emphasizing the balance between bat and ball.
“I think this is the best Test match track you can have. There’s something for everyone. A bit of spin, and some seam movement for fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. As a batter you get the value of your shots. I think this is an excellent Test wicket,” he observed.
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