SYLHET: Pakistan’s fast bowling coach Umar Gul expressed confidence in his side’s ability to chase down a mammoth target against Bangladesh in the second Test.
Pakistan need to make history by chasing a 437-run target — the highest successful chase in Test history with 10 wickets remaining.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh set Pakistan a strong target, led by Mushfiqur Rahim’s innings of 137 off 233 balls, with 12 fours and a six.
Pakistan ended the day’s proceedings without scoring a run in two overs and will resume on Tuesday with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais at the crease.
Gul spoke to the media at the end of the third day, saying there is ample time left and a draw appeared unlikely.
“We still have two days left in the match, and there is a chance of rain as well, so there is plenty of time remaining. The result is still open, and it does not look like a draw is likely,” he told reporters.
“If we bat through both days continuously, we have a real chance of chasing the target. Both teams still have an opportunity to win, and in cricket anything is possible,” he added.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
He highlighted the importance of big partnerships in a bid to chase the daunting target and said Pakistan were mentally prepared for the challenge of chasing it.
“A target of 437 requires two to three strong partnerships. We are mentally ready to chase it and will give our best effort to achieve the target,” Gul stated.
The bowling coach observed that the Sylhet surface had become more batting-friendly after the first two days, adding that Pakistan bowlers had been unfortunate and had not used the review system effectively.
“The pitch offered help to bowlers on day one with moisture and swing, but became much better for batting on days two and three. Bangladesh’s batters played very well, while our bowlers were unfortunate and also did not use the review system effectively,” he continued.
Regarding the speed of fast bowlers, Gul pointed to the lack of Test cricket as a key factor behind underwhelming performance. He said that in red-ball cricket, bowlers lose rhythm due to limited matches and playing fewer Tests made it difficult to maintain consistency.
“In red-ball cricket, our bowlers lose rhythm due to limited Test matches. Unlike the PSL, pace drops in longer formats, and playing fewer Tests every six months makes it difficult to maintain consistency. Heat and humidity also make conditions challenging,” he said.
“Regardless of the format, pace is always important in cricket, and maintaining intensity is key at this level,” he concluded.
READ: Umar Gul clarifies viral clip involving Shaheen Afridi