Shafiq backs Pakistan to pull off world-record chase

Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq said his side remain hopeful of chasing down a daunting 437-run target against Bangladesh in the second Test, banking on Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan to finish the job in Sylhet.

“Yes, of course, there is [a chance],” Shafiq told reporters after the fourth day’s play.

“It’s 121 runs left and the way Rizwan is batting, and considering how Sajid played in the first innings, we are really hopeful.”

Pakistan ended Day 4 on 316 for seven at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, needing another 121 runs with three wickets in hand. The highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history remains West Indies’ 418 against Australia in Antigua in 2003.

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75 off 134 balls, while Sajid was not out on eight after scoring a quickfire 38 off 28 deliveries in the first innings.

Pakistan looked in control through a crucial 134-run sixth-wicket partnership between Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, who made 71 off 102 balls, before Taijul Islam struck twice with the new ball to revive Bangladesh’s hopes.

Earlier, Shan Masood and Babar Azam led Pakistan’s recovery with a 92-run stand for the third wicket after the visitors slipped to 41 for two.

“That’s an amazing comeback as a batting unit,” Shafiq said.

“These were the things we were missing as a batting unit, but it’s really encouraging to see them happening now.”

Shafiq also praised the Sylhet pitch, calling it an ideal Test wicket.

“I think this is the best Test cricket wicket. There is something for everyone — spin, seam movement and value for shots as a batter,” he added.