Bangladesh pace-bowling mentor Shaun Tait insisted he was not losing sleep despite his side’s attack falling short of the lofty expectations on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet on Tuesday, May 19. With the Bangladesh bowling unit in impressive form, the hosts had looked set to finish the series within four days, but Pakistan produced a strong response to keep the match wide open.
Match situation: Bangladesh close, Pakistan still alive
Even after Pakistan’s comeback, Bangladesh remain in the driving seat heading into the final day. The home team still have the advantage, needing three more wickets to wrap up the contest. Pakistan, in turn, require a further 121 runs to pull off the chase, with their batting currently led by Mohammad Rizwan, who is unbeaten at the crease.
Tait’s message: “good enough” bowling, but credit to the conditions
After play on day four, Tait reflected on how momentum can shift in Test cricket. He said that after recent success the expectation naturally rises, yet outcomes do not always follow the script.
- Tait said Bangladesh had enjoyed “great times” recently with their bowlers, which can create the belief that similar performances will arrive every day.
- He argued the pace attack had bowled well enough to put Bangladesh in a strong position, even though it was a difficult day under heavy heat.
- Tait described the day’s weather as extremely punishing, adding that he felt it was the hottest day of the match.
- He praised the quality of cricket on both sides, noting Pakistan batted strongly and that the pitch was suitable for batting, while stressing it was not an excuse for results.
- Tait said Bangladesh’s players stayed committed and remained in the contest, even after Pakistan gained control for a stretch.
- He pointed to the late breakthrough, saying that taking two wickets near the end meant Bangladesh could head into the change rooms in a happier frame of mind.
Key performances: Litton’s keeping and Taijul’s “warrior effort”
Tait reserved special praise for Litton Kumar Das behind the stumps, particularly after the wicketkeeper produced a sharp catch down the leg side to remove Babar Azam, who looked dangerous.
- Tait highlighted that the quality of wicketkeeping has made a meaningful difference to the bowling side.
- He said Litton’s work has been “fantastic” recently, calling out especially the last month.
- Tait added that such efforts have been recognised inside the dressing room after games.
- He credited Taijul Islam’s impact in testing conditions, describing the left-arm spinner’s display as a “warrior effort”.
Tait further elaborated on Taijul’s contribution in the heat, saying it was impressive to bowl throughout the day, remain at the crease’s edge at the finish, and then take the new ball and strike late to deliver those crucial wickets.
Masood and Rizwan’s partnerships keep Pakistan moving
Tait also enjoyed the intensity and drama of the day’s cricket, particularly Pakistan’s ability to stitch together vital stands through Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan. The day also featured some verbal sparring between Rizwan and Litton Das, adding an extra layer of spice to an already tense contest.
- Tait said he enjoys the competitive edge and “argy-bargy” that comes with high-stakes Test cricket.
- He noted that while players should not cross the line, a degree of aggression is part of the passion supporters want to see.
- He framed the encounter as “Test cricket” — Pakistan vs Bangladesh — and said the goal for fans and players alike is to witness commitment and intensity.
Asad Shafiq’s chase plan: belief despite three wickets in hand
Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq stayed upbeat about the possibility of overturning the deficit, even though his side has only three wickets remaining. He said Rizwan is still unbeaten and Pakistan are encouraged by what they have shown with the bat on the day.
- Shafiq said Pakistan are hopeful because of the batting performance of their unit.
- He referenced that around 120 runs are still needed and connected that target to Rizwan’s form.
- He also pointed to Sajid’s contribution in the first innings as a positive sign.
From starts to centuries: Pakistan must convert
Shafiq acknowledged, however, that Pakistan have paid for failing to convert promising starts into large scores. He said Test cricket demands that their batting group goes on to make hundreds and double hundreds, but this time the progression from fifty to a century has not happened often enough.
- Shafiq stated that Pakistan are not converting from 50 to 100 as consistently as expected in Test cricket.
- He said the team is thinking about it and working on solutions.
- He noted Rizwan is currently on 75 and added that if he can reach a hundred, it would be “good for the team”.
- Shafiq said the coaching staff has already discussed this and will continue refining how to improve conversion rates.
