"When there are 657 runs on the board, obviously, we have to look to save ourselves": Imam-ul-Haq

[MenInG]

"When there are 657 runs on the board, obviously, we have to look to save ourselves": Imam-ul-Haq

Imam-ul-Haq speaking in presser:

“Sometimes, when you see the opposition team scoring 650 runs it gives you a really tough time mentally as the expectations from us also mount that we too, will score in that way"

“Since they have played the first innings and scored a massive total so we were not left with many options, we can’t take risks”

“Again when there are 650 runs on the board, obviously, first of all, we have to look to save ourselves"

"We did not think about going for a draw as of yet; Because their total was around 650, we had to play four to five sessions at least to get closer to them"

“I noted the variations in the pitch today. It started to break and bowlers were getting a little more bounce but sometimes it kept low"

"In the upcoming days the wicket will definitely change and might no longer be a batting paradise"

“But again I would say, we will play as the situation demands and once we get to a certain point in the game then we will see if we have to go for the chase or to fight for the draw,"

 

[jnaveen1980]

No team has won before after conceding 600 runs in the first innings. Draw is the most likely outcome unless Pakistan batsmen choke under 4th innings pressure. Even if the pitch breaks, it is still very slow. You can play everything on the backfoot.

 

[Rana]

Pakistani cricketers always looking for the easy way out

Only Shaheen in recent history gives you the sense that he is one player who will not settle for anything less than a win

 

[MenInG]

Pakistani cricketers always looking for the easy way out

Only Shaheen in recent history gives you the sense that he is one player who will not settle for anything less than a win

I get the same sense from Abdullah Shafique

 

[sweep_shot]

Not many teams can win after conceding 657. Imam is right in a way.

But, the word "save" sounds negative and pessimistic.

 

[Usman]

I get the same sense from Abdullah Shafique

I agree with this. When Atherton asked Abdullah about the team’s mindset for the rest of the game, Abdullah was absolutely clear that the only option he was looking at was to go for a win. And these are not just hollow words. Anyone who watched him win that game in July against Sri Lanka, on a pitch that took considerable spin against Sri Lanka’s excellent spinners, will know that Abdullah means business. Because of his 160 on that occasion, we chased 350ish with 4 wickets down. Many of his remaining test innings have come in pressure situations. A real gem mashallah!

 

[MenInG]

I agree with this. When Atherton asked Abdullah about the team’s mindset for the rest of the game, Abdullah was absolutely clear that the only option he was looking at was to go for a win. And these are not just hollow words. Anyone who watched him win that game in July against Sri Lanka, on a pitch that took considerable spin against Sri Lanka’s excellent spinners, will know that Abdullah means business. Because of his 160 on that occasion, we chased 350ish with 4 wickets down. Many of his remaining test innings have come in pressure situations. A real gem mashallah!

for reference

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[Saj]

Let down by some of his colleagues today.

Otherwise this match would already be safe.

Some poor shots from the Pakistani batters.

 

[Justcrazy]

If Pakistan bat sensibly they can save the game , that is the best they can do after what happened on first day.

 

[Zaz]

for reference

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 100.000%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/qo6s2b" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

What a fantastic interview Seems to have a very mature head on his shoulders and very positive views

If he carries on performing as well as he has he could be a future captain for pakistan

 

[Mamoon]

I agree with this. When Atherton asked Abdullah about the team’s mindset for the rest of the game, Abdullah was absolutely clear that the only option he was looking at was to go for a win. And these are not just hollow words. Anyone who watched him win that game in July against Sri Lanka, on a pitch that took considerable spin against Sri Lanka’s excellent spinners, will know that Abdullah means business. Because of his 160 on that occasion, we chased 350ish with 4 wickets down. Many of his remaining test innings have come in pressure situations. A real gem mashallah!

His 96 at a SR of 31 in the fourth innings against Australia in Karachi reeked of defeatist mentality.

He made no attempt to chase down the total on a dead pitch. Ultimately, Pakistan drew the match & were 70 odd runs short. Had he played at a 45+ SR like Babar & Rizwan, Pakistan could have made history.

I hope he learned from that negative approach otherwise it is just the usual all talk no action sermon by a Pakistani player.

 

[msb314]

His 96 at a SR of 31 in the fourth innings against Australia in Karachi reeked of defeatist mentality.

He made no attempt to chase down the total on a dead pitch. Ultimately, Pakistan drew the match & were 70 odd runs short. Had he played at a 45+ SR like Babar & Rizwan, Pakistan could have made history.

I hope he learned from that negative approach otherwise it is just the usual all talk no action sermon by a Pakistani player.

That is easy to say in hindsight but there is no way he would have known at the time how close we would get.

The safety first approach was correct - especially since the series was 0-0 at the time with another Test to go..

 

[Mamoon]

That is easy to say in hindsight but there is no way he would have known at the time how close we would get.

The safety first approach was correct - especially since the series was 0-0 at the time with another Test to go..

That is not the point I am making. The point that I am making is that innings clearly disproves the hasty judgment that Abdullah only goes for a win & has that mindset.

This statement & the Karachi innings cannot go hand in hand. That innings was the total opposite of only going for a win.

Players who have this approach take the game head on & don’t adopt a safety first approach. There is always a difference between what Pakistani players say in the media & what they produce on the pitch.

 

[msb314]

That is not the point I am making. The point that I am making is that innings clearly disproves the hasty judgment that Abdullah only goes for a win & has that mindset.

This statement & the Karachi innings cannot go hand in hand. That innings was the total opposite of only going for a win.

Players who have this approach take the game head on & don’t adopt a safety first approach. There is always a difference between what Pakistani players say in the media & what they produce on the pitch.

Okay fair enough but his approach in that Karachi test might not be comparable to this Rawalpindi pitch.

Keep in mind that we were bundled out for 220 odd in the first innings in that Test match. This pitch right now is dead flat.

 

[PakLFC]

Pak winning this Test will be a near amazing feat. To concede 500 runs on the first day then going on to win will be some sort of record for sure. We batted well in the first innings giving us a chance of a win which cannot be ignored. at those who said this is the worst Pak attack ever if we win!