'It is 50-50': Taijul wary despite setting Pakistan massive target

Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam said that his side will need to remain disciplined against Pakistan despite setting the visitors a mammoth 437-run target with two days remaining in the Sylhet Test. He added that the wicket was still aiding batters, leaving the game wide open for both teams.

"Look, first of all this is the fourth innings. But however the wicket is still good," Taijul said after the day's play. "So just as the wicket is good, we also have to remain disciplined.

"Right now it is fifty-fifty. But whichever side performs better probably has a greater chance of winning the match. For me, discipline is very important now," he stated.

Taijul added that Bangladesh would have a psychological edge because of the imposing target on the board, giving them a chance to complete a historic series whitewash.

"At the end of the day we also have to consider the target. When they see the target number, many things may work in their minds," he noted.

"Maybe if we could have added 20, 30, 40 more runs on the scoreboard, maybe it would have been better for the team," he said. "There is no point in being frustrated because you can't always be 100% in everything"

Meanwhile, Pakistan pace bowling coach Umar Gul insisted that his side had not given up hope of achieving the unthinkable despite being on the back foot.

"We have two days left, and even though there might be overcast conditions or rain, we are mentally prepared that there is enough time. If we bat through the full duration, there is a chance to win because we aren't just looking for a draw," said Gul.

"We are prepared for the chase. Two or three good partnerships will be very important. To chase 437 runs, you have to be brave and play positive cricket. In cricket, anything is possible, and there is a possibility for both teams," he said.

"On the first day, the wicket supported the bowlers due to moisture, offering some seam and swing. On the second and third days, I would say it has been perfectly good for the batters. The ball is coming onto the bat in a way that gives the batters a lot of time. So far, the pitch remains very good for batting," he explained.

"I think the Bangladesh batters played very well. In some instances, we were unlucky with play-and-miss moments, and unfortunately we missed some opportunities for reviews. That prevented us from getting them out early, especially in their first innings," he said.

"Sometimes decisions go in your favour, and sometimes they don't - it is part of the game. The bowlers have tried hard and worked well so far, but we have not achieved the results we wanted yet," he concluded.

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