Taijul wary despite setting Pakistan massive target

Despite setting Pakistan a formidable 437-run target with two days remaining in the Sylhet Test, Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam stated that his team will need to maintain discipline in order to defeat Pakistan. He added that the wicket was still aiding batters, leaving the game wide open for both teams. Bangladesh's batters enjoyed their time on Day 3, piling on the runs after surviving a testing morning session with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a masterful 137. "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. He stated, "Maybe it would have been better for the team if we could have added 20, 30, 40 more runs on the scoreboard." "There is no point in being frustrated because you can't always be 100% in everything" In the meantime, Pakistan pace bowling coach Umar Gul insisted that, despite being on the back foot, his team had not given up hope of accomplishing the unthinkable. "We have two days left, and even though there might be overcast conditions or rain, we are mentally prepared that there is enough time. We aren't just trying to draw, so there is a chance we can win if we bat all the way through," Gul stated. "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. Anything is possible in cricket, and there is a chance for both teams," he stated. "On the first day, the wicket supported the bowlers due to moisture, offering some seam and swing. I would say that on the second and third days, it has been perfect for the batters. The ball is coming onto the bat in a way that gives the batters a lot of time. The pitch has remained excellent for batting thus far," he explained. Gul added that Bangladesh's batting unit deserved credit for the way it handled Pakistan's bowling attack throughout the series. "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. "Especially in their first innings, that prevented us from getting them out early," he stated. "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.