Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam believes his team’s route to defending a staggering 437-run target at the Sylhet Test hinges on staying disciplined, even though the pitch continues to offer something for batters with two days still left in the match.
Key takeaways
- Taijul Islam said Bangladesh must maintain discipline against Pakistan after setting a 437-run target with time remaining.
- Despite the fourth-innings context, Taijul felt the surface still assists batters and keeps the contest balanced.
- He suggested Bangladesh could gain a psychological advantage from the size of the chase, with a chance to complete a series whitewash.
- Pakistan pace bowling coach Umar Gul insisted his side still believes in a result, citing the two-day window and possible weather factors.
- Gul argued the pitch conditions have evolved across days—seam and swing early, then increasingly batter-friendly conditions later.
- Both sides referenced Bangladesh’s ability to handle Pakistan’s bowling, with Gul pointing to missed chances and review opportunities.
Taijul: discipline is crucial with the wicket still helping batters
Taijul Islam said Bangladesh will need to keep their approach tight even after posting a massive target with two days remaining in the Sylhet Test. He emphasized that, although it is the fourth innings, the wicket is not completely devoid of assistance, and batters are still able to play their shots. “Look, first of all this is the fourth innings. But however the wicket is still good,” Taijul remarked after the day’s play.
He added that Bangladesh’s plans must match the pitch’s reality: since the surface remains workable, they cannot afford to lose shape in the field or with their bowling lengths. Taijul said, “So just as the wicket is good, we also have to remain disciplined.” In his view, the game is currently “fifty-fifty,” and the side that executes better is likely to have the upper hand as the match moves toward its final phase.
The spinner also highlighted the mental pressure created by the numbers on the board. With Pakistan staring at 437, Taijul suggested Bangladesh may hold a psychological edge, giving them an opening to steer the match in a way that could lead to a historic series whitewash. “At the end of the day we also have to consider the target. When they see the target number, many things may work in their minds,” he said.
Taijul further reflected on whether Bangladesh could have made the task even harder for Pakistan if they had added a few more runs. “Maybe if we could have added 20, 30, 40 more runs on the scoreboard, maybe it would have been better for the team,” he noted. At the same time, he cautioned against dwelling on missed opportunities. “There is no point in being frustrated because you can’t always be 100% in everything,” Taijul added.
Pakistan still believes in a chase as Umar Gul discusses pitch and mindset
On Pakistan’s side, pace bowling coach Umar Gul said his team has not given up hope of achieving something extraordinary despite being under pressure. He pointed to the remaining two days and the possibility of overcast weather or rain, insisting that Pakistan are mentally ready to use the time available. “We have two days left, and even though there might be overcast conditions or rain, we are mentally prepared that there is enough time,” Gul said.
Gul stressed that Pakistan are approaching the match with a mindset aimed at winning rather than settling for a draw. “If we bat through the full duration, there is a chance to win because we aren’t just looking for a draw,” he added. He also underlined the importance of momentum in a chase of 437, saying the outcome could hinge on building the right partnerships. “Two or three good partnerships will be very important. To chase 437 runs, you have to be brave and play positive cricket,” Gul said.
According to Gul, the nature of cricket means possibilities remain open for both teams. “In cricket, anything is possible, and there is a possibility for both teams,” he remarked. He then explained how the pitch has behaved across the match days: on the opening day, the wicket supported bowlers due to moisture, giving assistance to seam and swing. “On the first day, the wicket supported the bowlers due to moisture, offering some seam and swing,” Gul said.
He contrasted that with later conditions, suggesting that from the second and third days onward, the surface has suited batting more clearly. “On the second and third days, I would say it has been perfectly good for the batters. The ball is coming onto the bat in a way that gives the batters a lot of time. So far, the pitch remains very good for batting,” he explained.
Gul praises Bangladesh’s batting and points to missed review and early wicket chances
Gul also credited Bangladesh’s batting unit for how they handled Pakistan’s attack throughout the series. He said the batters performed well overall, while Pakistan, at times, were unfortunate with play-and-miss moments. “I think the Bangladesh batters played very well. In some instances, we were unlucky with play-and-miss moments,” Gul said.
He added that Pakistan missed opportunities to remove batters early due to setbacks with reviews, particularly in Bangladesh’s first innings. “And unfortunately we missed some opportunities for reviews. That prevented us from getting them out early, especially in their first innings,” Gul stated. In closing, he acknowledged how results can swing either way in cricket and said the bowling group has worked hard, even if desired outcomes have not yet followed. “Sometimes decisions go in your favour, and sometimes they don’t – it is part of the game. The bowlers have tried hard and worked well so far, but we have not achieved the results we wanted yet,” Gul concluded.
