ISLAMABAD: Babar Azam admitted Pakistan’s inability to forge substantial partnerships cost the tourists dearly as they failed to seize control of the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Sylhet.
Pakistan, instead of establishing a commanding first-innings lead, ended up conceding the advantage, leaving themselves under mounting pressure to avoid a second successive Test series whitewash against Bangladesh.
Speaking after the day’s play, Babar expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s failure to capitalize on promising starts despite batting-friendly conditions. “Look, we were unable to build strong partnerships, and that is the key to posting big totals,” Babar said. “I tried to build a stand with Salman Ali Agha, but unfortunately we could not carry it forward. Other batsmen also failed to convert their starts into long innings, and that ultimately damaged our hopes of posting a big total.”
The former Pakistan captain, who looked in sublime touch during his fluent half-century, appeared set to take the Test away from Bangladesh before falling to a soft dismissal, offering a catch to Mushfiqur Rahim.
Babar insisted there was little assistance for bowlers on the Sylhet surface and believed the wicket remained ideal for batting. “There was nothing wrong with the wicket. The bowling was not extraordinary either. The pitch is ideal for batting. Once a batsman settles in and spends time at the crease, stroke-making becomes easier and you can build a big innings,” he said.
He added that conditions become difficult only for a new batsman at the crease, stressing the importance of occupying the wicket and constructing partnerships. The stylish middle-order batter also acknowledged Pakistan’s continuing struggles in the longer format, attributing the problems largely to the team’s repeated inability to stitch together meaningful stands.
“We have struggled in Test cricket recently, but that is mainly because we have not been able to raise solid partnerships. You can only achieve big totals when you build strong stands,” Babar maintained.
The right-hander rejected the notion that Pakistan’s batsmen lacked intent or commitment. “We always enter a Test match or major event with the aim of winning. But achieving those goals becomes difficult if you do not put enough runs on the board through proper partnerships,” he said.
Babar added that every batsman tries to contribute but admitted results do not always go according to plan. When asked about the way forward, he pointed towards the efforts being made by the Pakistan Cricket Board to improve the standard of Test cricket in the country.
“The PCB is already working on improvements. Long training camps, like the ongoing one in Lahore, will help raise the standard of Test cricket. The board has continued its efforts to build a stronger and more competitive Test side,” Babar concluded.
