Sports Desk:-Pakistan all-rounder Salman Agha has made it clear that his side is not thinking about settling for a draw as the opening Test against Bangladesh heads into a thrilling final day in Mirpur.
Despite Bangladesh holding a lead of 179 runs with seven wickets still intact in their second innings, the Pakistani camp remains optimistic about pulling off an unlikely chase if the hosts decide to push for victory themselves.
After rain disrupted play on Monday, the match remains delicately balanced, leaving both teams with opportunities to force a result. Salman stressed that Pakistan’s immediate focus will be on taking quick wickets early on the final morning to keep the game alive.
According to Salman, the outcome of the Test will largely depend on how aggressively Bangladesh approach their batting. He suggested that if the home side chooses to accelerate and declare with enough time left in the match, Pakistan would not shy away from chasing a challenging target.
The all-rounder even hinted at a possible ideal scenario for his team, saying Pakistan would welcome a target around 250 to 260 runs with roughly two sessions remaining. Salman added that such a chase would create an exciting finish and showcase the competitive spirit of Test cricket.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remains the key figure for the hosts. The skipper was unbeaten on 58 at stumps and once again demonstrated his importance to the side after producing a rapid century in the first innings, which helped Bangladesh post a strong total of 413.
Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim also stayed unbeaten overnight, giving Bangladesh a solid platform heading into the decisive day.
Salman acknowledged that Bangladesh would need to score quickly in the opening session if they genuinely intend to set Pakistan a target worth chasing.
However, he also admitted that such an aggressive approach would involve considerable risk for the home side.
Even so, the Pakistani dressing room appears eager for a result rather than a cautious finish. Salman emphasized that Pakistan’s mindset remains positive and attacking, insisting the team will pursue victory if given a realistic opportunity.
With the pitch showing signs of wear and pressure mounting on both teams, the final day in Mirpur is shaping up to deliver a tense and potentially dramatic conclusion to the World Test Championship clash.
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