ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are aiming for a commanding first-innings total in excess of 400 runs to seize control of the second Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet, as pacer Khurram Shahzad believes the wicket has turned increasingly favourable for batting and offers the visitors a golden opportunity to level the series.
Speaking to the media after the opening day’s play, Khurram said the Sylhet surface was vastly different from the one used in the opening Test in Dhaka and was unlikely to deteriorate significantly over the next two days.
“In comparison to the wicket we had in Dhaka, the playing track in Sylhet looks much better for batting,” Khurram observed. “There are no visible cracks and the wicket is expected to remain good for batting for at least the next couple of days. Pakistan are well placed to pile up over 400 runs in the first innings and put Bangladesh under real pressure.”
The right-arm pacer, who marked his return to the playing XI with an impressive four-wicket haul, admitted that Pakistan allowed Bangladesh to recover after reducing the hosts to a precarious 116 for six. He regretted missed opportunities, particularly the failure to review an edge from Bangladesh batter Litton Das early in his innings.
“We missed a trick by not taking the review in time when Litton clearly edged the ball behind,” he said. “On top of that, we dropped a couple of catches which proved costly. Those missed chances allowed him to settle down, score a century and help Bangladesh push their total beyond 250.”
Khurram said Pakistan had Bangladesh firmly under pressure before the lower-order resistance shifted momentum.
“At one stage they were six down for just 116 and we were in complete control. But because of the dropped catches and missed chances, they managed to double the score. Still, considering how good the wicket is for batting, we did well to restrict them.”
The pacer remained optimistic that Bangladesh’s total was still below par and insisted Pakistan now had an excellent chance to dominate the match with the bat.
“Our target now is to post the maximum possible first-innings score and take the game beyond Bangladesh’s reach,” he said. “If we bat according to our potential, a big lead is very much achievable on this wicket.” Khurram also recalled Pakistan’s previous experience against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi two years ago when the visitors staged a remarkable recovery after collapsing to 26 for six.
“That was history,” he remarked. “But here, even after letting them off the hook somewhat, I still think we managed to regain control towards the end of the innings.”
Despite the frustration over missed opportunities, Khurram praised Pakistan’s bowling attack for maintaining discipline and intensity throughout the day.
“Our bowling was outstanding and honestly we had the chances to bowl them out under 200,” he said. “Even with a few mistakes in the field, I believe our four frontline bowlers made a strong impact and kept Pakistan in a solid position at the close of play.”
Khurram, who returned figures of four for 81, also expressed satisfaction at contributing strongly after missing the opening Test of the series.
“Yes, I have been in and out of the team, but whenever the management needs me, I always try to be ready and give my best,” he said. “After missing the first Test, I was determined to make an impact here. I will continue working hard and contributing in the upcoming matches and series as well.”
