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Pakistan went to stumps on day four at 316-7, still 121 shy of the 437 required to square the series, yet batting coach Asad Shafiq was in no mood to concede.
“We can win this game,” Shafiq said, matter-of-fact. “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.”
Key facts first. The target of 437 is already the biggest chase Pakistan have ever faced, never mind completed. Their previous best successful pursuit is 382 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. No-one, anywhere, has hauled in more than 418. The numbers shout impossibility, yet Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 75 has kept the arithmetic interesting, if only just.
The wicketkeeper found firm support in Salman Ali Agha, the pair adding 134 to drag Pakistan from 149-5 to relative safety. That stand ended late in the evening when Taijul Islam slipped one past Agha’s outside edge. Two balls later Taijul removed Shaheen Shah Afridi and, suddenly, Bangladesh were back peering at the tail.
Shafiq applauded the middle-order grit, noting it had been missing earlier in the tour. “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.”
Earlier, captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam had counter-attacked with 92 for the third wicket, steadying nerves after both openers departed cheaply. Masood’s 71 was his most organised contribution of the trip, and Shafiq made sure to underline the effort. “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.”
So, what of the surface? Shafiq, a veteran of slow turners back home, offered a glowing review. “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.”
Bangladesh still hold the stronger hand, with Taijul fresh from a five-for and a second new ball only 14 overs away. Pakistan, though, cling to Rizwan – and to their batting coach’s optimism that 120 more runs need not be an impossible distance.
