Sylhet, Bangladesh – Web Desk: Babar Azam said the Pakistan cricket team remains committed to performing strongly in every series, match, and World Cup, despite recent struggles in Test cricket against Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press conference after the second day of the second Test in Sylhet, Babar said no player enters the field thinking about defeat, adding that the entire squad is focused on producing positive results for Pakistan.
The star batter said the pitch was good for batting and the ball was coming nicely onto the bat, but Pakistan failed to build crucial partnerships during the innings. He added that he and Salman Ali Agha attempted to stabilize the innings but could not convert their start into a major partnership.
Babar also praised Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, saying every international team now has bowlers capable of consistently bowling above 140 kph and batters must learn to handle such pace.
The former Pakistan captain admitted that the turning point of the innings came with the dismissals of himself and Salman Ali Agha, which shifted the momentum of the game in Bangladesh’s favor.
He rejected suggestions of mental fatigue within the squad, saying Pakistan has been playing continuous cricket but the team has struggled to execute plans and form long batting partnerships. Babar stressed that the batting unit must take greater responsibility in Test cricket.
Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 278. Babar top-scored with 68 runs, while Salman Ali Agha made 21 and Mohammad Rizwan scored 13.
By stumps on day two, Bangladesh had reached 110 for 3 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 156 runs in the ongoing Test match.
