Pakistan fast bowler Khurram Shahzad believes the Sylhet pitch is capable of producing a first-innings score in the 400–450 range, contrasting it sharply with the conditions in Dhaka where the hosts enjoyed more assistance for their bowlers. With the tourists trailing 257 runs after reaching 21 without loss in their reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total, Pakistan are still down 1-0 in the two-match Test series following defeat in the opening game at Dhaka.
Shahzad’s view on Sylhet’s batting conditions
- Khurram said Pakistan are targeting a large first-innings total, estimating 400 to 450 runs should be achievable on the Sylhet surface.
- He explained that Dhaka’s track had visible cracks and offered “up and down” movement and uneven bounce, while Sylhet appears far more straightforward for batters.
- According to Shahzad, the key to reaching that target will be stitching together a solid partnership, allowing Pakistan to build pressure from the start.
Pakistan’s bowling approach and field set-up
Shahzad also insisted that despite Bangladesh’s counter-attacking spells—particularly when centurion Litton Das accelerated—Pakistan stayed committed to an attacking style with their bowling. He pointed out that opportunities did come Pakistan’s way: one chance involved a caught-and-bowled type of contact that clipped the gloves, while another chance at square leg was not taken. His view was that maintaining an aggressive bowling plan helps keep runs flowing in the right direction.
Litton’s recovery and costly dropped chances
- Bangladesh had fallen to 116 for 6 before Litton Das spearheaded a recovery.
- Khurram acknowledged that dropped chances were costly, arguing that the match situation might have tightened significantly if those chances had been accepted.
- He noted that Pakistan created multiple chances during the day—more than one—and suggested that if they had been taken, Bangladesh could have been bowled out far earlier, potentially even under 200.
- Shahzad added that Pakistan cannot alter earlier decisions, but must learn from them as the series moves into the next phase.
Looking ahead to Pakistan’s batting turn
With Pakistan now set to bat after ending the day at 21/0 in reply, Shahzad said the focus shifts to building a substantial total. He emphasized that Pakistan must not repeat the same errors in the second innings and aims to get Bangladesh out after the next batting phase begins.
Role after replacing Shaheen Afridi and backing the pace unit
After replacing Shaheen Afridi in the XI, Khurram stated that he is always ready to contribute whenever he receives an opportunity. He backed Pakistan’s four-man pace attack, saying they were able to dismiss Bangladesh even with four bowlers, and described the combination as working well. Shahzad also stressed that selection is ultimately in the hands of the management, while his responsibility remains constant: follow the process, keep training, and deliver the best performance possible whenever called upon.
Concluding his comments, he reiterated that his mindset is to ensure his efforts translate into the best outcome for Pakistan, reflecting a professional approach to both preparation and performance.
