SYLHET, Bangladesh: Pakistan believe they will chase down the daunting 437-run target set by Bangladesh, with bowling coach Umar Gul insisting the second Test remains wide open and that his team has both the time and belief to pull off one of the greatest run-chases in Test cricket history.
Speaking at a media conference in Sylhet, the former pace spearhead expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s batting lineup, pointing to two full days remaining, the possibility of rain interruptions, and improving pitch conditions as factors that could tilt the contest in the visitors’ favour.
Stumps on Day Three
Openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais will resume Pakistan’s chase tomorrow 🏏#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZCOprhtsHz
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 18, 2026
“We still have two days left in the match and there is a chance of rain as well, so there is plenty of time remaining. The result is still open, and it does not look like a draw is likely,” Gul said.
“If we bat through both days continuously, we have a real chance of chasing the target. Both teams still have an opportunity to win, and in cricket anything is possible,” he added.
Long partnerships the key to miracle chase
Acknowledging the magnitude of the 437-run target, Gul stressed that Pakistan’s hopes rest on building two or three substantial partnerships while maintaining batting discipline across the remaining two days.
“A target of 437 requires two to three strong partnerships. We are mentally ready to chase it and will give our best effort to achieve the target,” Gul stated.
He also reflected on how the Sylhet pitch has evolved, noting that early assistance for bowlers gave way to much easier batting conditions as the match progressed.
“The pitch offered help to bowlers on day one with moisture and swing, but became much better for batting on days two and three. Bangladesh’s batters played very well, while our bowlers were unfortunate and also did not use the review system effectively,” he continued.
Pace, rhythm, and the challenge of Test cricket
The 40-year-old highlighted the unique difficulties faced by fast bowlers in the longest format, including limited Test exposure, extreme heat, and the difficulty of maintaining rhythm with long gaps between matches.
“In red-ball cricket our bowlers lose rhythm due to limited Test matches. Unlike the PSL, pace drops in longer formats, and playing fewer Tests every six months makes it difficult to maintain consistency. Heat and humidity also make conditions challenging,” he said.
To equal the series against Bangladesh, Pakistan must set a world record chase of 437. Pakistan has two full days and one session left.
Do you think these Pakistani batters can conquer this mountain?#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/h3gvfRlb75
— Shakir Abbasi (@ShakirAbbasi22) May 18, 2026
Clarification over Afridi-Hasan incident
Gul also moved to quash social media speculation surrounding an incident involving Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, explaining that there was no internal rift.
He clarified that Hasan Ali had sustained a head injury and was temporarily off the field, and that Shaheen was simply being informed of the situation as part of routine team communication.
“There was also a misunderstanding on social media regarding Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali had suffered a head injury and was off the field, and Shaheen was simply informed about the situation. There is no issue, but it was misinterpreted online,” he stated.
437 on the board. A mountain now stands in front of Pakistan 🇵🇰⛰️
Pakistan have never crossed 300 in the fourth innings against Bangladesh in Test cricket history pic.twitter.com/evcMdwHveP
— Cricwick (@Cricwick) May 18, 2026
Match context
Earlier, Bangladesh powered to a massive total thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant 137 off 233 balls, supported by Litton Das (69) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (52). In response, Pakistan reached 0-0 in two overs at stumps on day three, with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais set to resume the chase on Tuesday.
“Regardless of the format, pace is always important in cricket, and maintaining intensity is key at this level,” Gul concluded.
