Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan yesterday informed that he was surprised to see Pakistan not imposing the follow-on.
The visitors, who posted a mammoth 557/8 declared in the first innings, skittled out the hosts for 203. It was widely expected that the tourists would enforce the follow-on over the opposition but skipper Misbah-ul Haq surprised everyone by deciding to bat again.
Pakistan later posted 195/6 in the second innings, presenting the Tigers an improbable target of 550 but Shakib believes Misbah’s decision to bat again took up some valuable time from the deciding Test.
“If we count the number of days, it is a slight advantage for us. I did not expect them to bat again. I do not know why they did that. I thought they were in a flow and had the best time to attack us. Hopefully, it (not enforcing the follow-on) will be in our favour. I am sure they will think about their decision if we register a big partnership tomorrow (today). It would, even for a short time, give them some tension,” Shakib told the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday following the third day’s play.
“It would be hard to predict the result of the game because anything can happen in a game of cricket. But, to be practical, I think, after the end of day three, we are losing the game. Nobody have ever chased such a total so if we do not play well tomorrow (today), we will not be thinking about the chase obviously. It is going to be difficult but if we can take inspiration from the Khulna Test, who knows?” he said.
Although the Tigers face a daunting task in the remainder of the Test match, Shakib said one big partnership from the top-order will change the complexion of the game.
The Tigers bowling attack was bite-less in the Khulna Test and large parts of the Dhaka Test. The majority are blaming Shakib’s lack of contributions as one of the reasons behind the bowlers’ profligate displays. Many believe Shakib’s bad form with the leather is down to his detachment from first-class cricket for quite some time now but he thinks otherwise.
“I do not think it that way. I have always played in this way (not playing enough first-class cricket). I do not remember taking more than a couple of five-fors in our domestic first-class cricket. I do not even bowl much for my division side too. It is just a mental thing. I did not bowl well in three innings. I think someone new has to take up the responsibility but I will try my best definitely,” he said.
