Pakistan cricket team’s fielding has always been an issue. In the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh, Pakistan fielders made a mess of opportunities after reducing them to 26/6. As many as four catches were dropped and as a result Bangladesh went on to score 262 runs. Pakistan squandered their chance of dominating and were bowled out for 172 in the second innings. As Bangladesh have a chance to complete cleansweep, Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie wants his players to walk into the field with the belief that they can win and make the most of catching opportunities that come their way.
"Admittedly, the odds are probably in favour of Bangladesh. We don't shy away from that, but we've already lost if we walk out there expecting to lose. We took 6 for 26 in the first innings so we know that we can have an impact with the ball if we bowl really well," Gillespie said in the press conference after Day 4’s play.
"I hope we get on tomorrow so we can try and win a Test match. We've got to have that mindset. Because if we walk out there expecting to lose, well, I guarantee you will lose. But if we walk out there with the mindset and the belief that we can try and shake this game up, then there's hope. Sometimes, you need those 50-50 things to go your way but we've got to have that attitude and mindset that we're going to go there to win the Test match for Pakistan.
"We need to take our catches, take any opportunity that comes our way and you never know. This game can create all sorts of drama. So I'm hoping that we can create some theatre and put a smile on a few people's faces here in Pakistan tomorrow."
‘Our bowlers can do better’
After Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali's record-breaking display to bag six wickets in the first session of Day 3, Pakistan fielders lacked the skill and consistency to bowl Bangladesh out for a low score. Gillespie said that he has talked to his bowlers about being ruthless.
"We've spoken to our bowlers about being ruthless, being disciplined and bowling with intent. And we just went away from our game plan and I've challenged the bowlers pretty strongly on that. We need to make sure that we're on each and every time because Test cricket can get away from you. The opposition is very good and I'm not going to shy away from saying Bangladesh played well. No question. But I know that our bowlers can do better in that situation than what they showed and we just need to make sure that execution is absolutely bang on each and every time,” he said.
Before rain played spoilsport on Day 4, Bangladesh were 42 for no loss chasing a target of 185.
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