Ashraful Backs Bangladesh to Beat Clock, Pakistan in Rain-Hit Mirpur Test

Bangladesh are edging closer to a potential Test victory in Mirpur, holding a 179-run lead on a rain-affected fourth day. Despite the weather interruptions, the home side remains firmly in contention, with their coaching staff expressing strong belief in sealing the win on the final day.

Game Still in the Balance, Says Pakistan’s Agha

Despite the deficit, Pakistan allrounder Salman Agha believes the contest remains evenly poised.

“Right now, we can’t say who has the upper hand in this Test,” Agha stated. “Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day of Test cricket. We just want to get them out as quickly as we can, that’s our strategy. If they really give us 260 to chase in 70 overs, we will definitely go for it. But I don’t think they will do that.”

Agha acknowledged the difficulty of any chase, especially under time pressure. “If they want to score 100 runs in 20 overs tomorrow, that’s brilliant — but it’s going to be very risky. Personally, I’d prefer 60-70 overs to chase 260. Somehow, I think they won’t go for that.”

Shanto and Mominul Steady the Ship

The backbone of Bangladesh’s second-innings recovery came from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, who stitched together a 105-run partnership for the third wicket. Their composed batting under pressure earned praise from batting coach Mohammad Ashraful.

“We want to win this Test match,” Ashraful emphasized. “If we can bowl 70 or 75 overs, we can bowl them out. We haven’t decided when we will declare, but I think there’s still enough time to win the game.”

Focus on Process, Not Just Scoreboard

Ashraful highlighted the importance of disciplined batting, warning against complacency on a pitch that still offers challenges.

“We have to continue batting well tomorrow. It’s a wicket that demands you to bat properly. You must have seen how teams have been hurt by an ordinary third innings, even after scoring 400-500 runs, especially in the last four or five years of Test cricket,” he cautioned.

He lauded the efforts of Shanto, Mominul, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who picked the bad deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving. “We are sticking to a simple plan,” Ashraful added.

Openers Under Pressure, But Backed to Recover

Both Bangladesh openers — Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy — fell cheaply again, challenged by a fiery Pakistan pace attack. Mohammad Abbas was particularly aggressive, engaging in verbal exchanges with Mominul Haque.

Despite the poor returns, Ashraful stood by his top-order batters.

“I am not worried about the openers. We had three big opening stands in the last Test series against Ireland. Joy scored around 235-265 runs, including a career-best 171. Shadman made around 190. I understand they didn’t get runs in both innings this time, but we were put into bat — it wasn’t easy against the new ball.”

He credited the experienced batters for recovering well and expressed confidence that the openers will regain form in the next match.

Final Day to Decide Fate

With weather playing a disruptive role, time is of the essence. But Bangladesh remain optimistic. Ashraful’s belief in the bowling unit, combined with disciplined batting, gives the home side a fighting chance to force a result.

All eyes will be on the final day in Mirpur, where a combination of smart declarations, sharp bowling, and resilient batting could deliver a memorable Test victory.