Salman Ali Agha has made it clear that Pakistan will target a win rather than settle for a draw in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.
Speaking to the media at the end of the fourth day’s play, the Pakistan all-rounder said the team’s immediate objective on the final day is to dismiss Bangladesh quickly and then chase down the target.
“Our first goal tomorrow is to bowl Bangladesh out as early as possible. We will then try to achieve the target and secure victory,” he said.
Salman noted that the final day of a Test match is often the most thrilling, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the closing stages.
He also said the ICC World Test Championship has changed the approach of teams, with countries now preparing pitches designed to produce results rather than draws.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance, Salman said the team played particularly well on the second day, excelling with both ball and bat. He described the third day as a mixed one after Pakistan had not been in control on the opening day.
He added that winning remains the priority whenever Pakistan play Test cricket, though chasing a target of around 300 in 30 to 40 overs on the final day would be a significant challenge.
Salman praised Pakistan’s fast bowlers for their strong performance and reiterated that the team’s main focus is to dismiss Bangladesh as quickly as possible.
He further observed that, unlike a decade or more ago when flat pitches often led to drawn Tests, the World Test Championship has encouraged teams to prepare more result-oriented surfaces.
Earlier, Bangladesh national cricket team strengthened their hold on the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team by extending their lead to 179 runs at the close of the fourth day in Dhaka.
The opening Test of the two-match series was heavily affected by rain, with only 37 overs possible on Day 4.
Bangladesh resumed their second innings at 7 without loss, holding a 34-run lead, and lost two early wickets. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 5 by Mohammad Abbas, while Shadman Islam made 10 before falling to Hasan Ali.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque then steadied the innings with a crucial 105-run partnership for the third wicket.
Mominul was eventually dismissed for 56 after the total reached 128, but Pakistan were unable to claim another wicket before stumps.
At the end of the day, Bangladesh were 152 for 3, with Shanto unbeaten on 58 and Mushfiqur Rahim not out on 16.
Earlier, Bangladesh had scored 413 in their first innings, led by Shanto’s 101. Pakistan responded with 386, with Azan Awais making 103 and Abdullah Shafique contributing 60.