Pakistan bowling coach Jason Gillespie has called for the side to believe on the final day of the second test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After a defeat in the opening test, the first-ever defeat in the format against Bangladesh, the hosts are at risk of losing the series 2-0.
Bangladesh is looking for a series win with a set to chase the target of 185 on the final day of the second test. While speaking at the end of day 04, Gillespie admits the visitors were the favorites were ahead but called on his side to fight back.
“Admittedly, the odds are probably in favor of Bangladesh. We don’t shy away from that, but we’ve already lost if we walk out there expecting to lose. We took 6 for 26 in the first innings so we know that we can have an impact with the ball if we bowl really well.”
“We’ve spoken to our bowlers about being ruthless, being disciplined, and bowling with intent,” said Gillespie.
“And we just went away from our game plan and I’ve challenged the bowlers pretty strongly on that. We need to make sure that we’re on each and every time because Test cricket can get away from you.”
“The opposition is very good and I’m not going to shy away from saying Bangladesh played well. No question. But I know that our bowlers can do better in that situation than what they showed and we just need to make sure that execution is absolutely bang on every time.”
Pakistan had Bangladesh in check in the first innings but the visitors managed to score 262 runs with only 12 runs behind in total. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid picked up a total of 9 wickets to restrict Pakistan to 172 runs in the second innings. Hasan picked up a five-wicket haul conceding only 43 runs.
Gillespie was adamant about his side wanting to get on the field and force a win despite the odds against the side.
After Day 01 was entirely washed out due to bad weather, days 02 and 03 remained uninterrupted before the fourth day saw an early ending due to bad light.
“I hope we get on tomorrow so we can try and win a Test match. We’ve got to have that mindset. Sometimes, you need those 50-50 things to go your way but we’ve got to have that attitude and mindset that we’re going to go there to win the Test match for Pakistan.”
“This game can create all sorts of drama. So I’m hoping that we can create some theatre and put a smile on a few people’s faces here in Pakistan tomorrow,” said Gillespie.
A Bangladesh win or a draw will serve as the first test series for them against Pakistan. Bangladesh scored 42 runs by the end of day 04 and needed 143 runs to win.
