Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul has said that Pakistan will look to chase down 437 against Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test. In the Mirpur Test, Salman Agha had challenged the Tigers to set a target of around 260 in 70 overs and warned them about chasing it down. Bangladesh eventually set them a target of 268, but Pakistan slumped to a 104-run defeatgoing 0-1 down in the series.
Pakistan have now doubled down, with Gul stating that they have the batting strength to chase the target. He also said that conditions have been favourable for batting since the opening day, when there was moisture on the surface.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard
“The pitch to me has been very good for batting on the second and third days as the ball is coming on nicely to the bat. On the first day there was a bit of moisture and movement but it has got easier to bat on. So anything is possible in the Test, as we can chase this down,” Gul said in the press conference after the day’s play.
Out of four Tests in Sylhet so far, only once has a team successfully chased down a target. Last year, Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by three wickets after chasing 174. Pakistan would script history if they chase 437, as it would become the highest successful run-chase in Test history.
The current record belongs to the West Indies, who chased 418 against Australia in 2003 at St John’s, Antigua.
PAKISTAN FACE TOUGH TASK
Pakistan are staring at a mountain of a challenge in the Sylhet Test to level the series 1-1 after Bangladesh delivered a dominant all-round performance to seize full control of the match. At stumps on Day 3, Pakistan had not yet opened their account, with openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal surviving two testing maidens before fading light forced an early end to play.
Bangladesh’s second innings was anchored by a masterclass from Mushfiqur Rahim, who struck a composed 137 off 233 balls, including 12 fours and a six. He batted with patience and control, absorbing pressure early before shifting gears to frustrate Pakistan’s attack for long periods.
Litton Das provided strong support with a fluent 69 off 92 balls, maintaining momentum and pushing Bangladesh’s lead beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Pakistan’s bowlers had brief moments of success but lacked sustained control, with Khurram Shahzad taking four wickets and Sajid Khan claiming three. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas chipped in, but Bangladesh still reached 390, setting an imposing target that now leaves Pakistan facing an uphill battle heading into Day 4.
– Ends
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