Pak look to continue winning

Putting aside all the controversies that dog the nation, Pakistan has been playing scintillating cricket under the leadership of Misbah-ul Haq, having already flexed their muscles to dispose of Bangladesh in the limited-over series. Without doubt they are clear favourites in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh which will kick off today at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, although their batting was not as satisfactory as their bowling in the just-concluded limited overs leg of the tour.
Experienced batsman Younis Khan made it clear that they have only one target, which is to win the series against the Tigers to continue their impressive run.
“The challenge is very simple as the only thing we need to do is go out there and play some positive cricket and win the Test series. Away series is always difficult because the opponents have the home advantage and that's why it is going to be a tough competition for us,” said Younis in a pre-match press conference yesterday.
The seasoned batsman was not worried about his team's batting performance as he believes that it's not easy to bat in these conditions.
“It's true that we have struggled with our batting but so far we have been able to pick up the victories in all the matches. The wickets that we have played on so far on the tour have been tough. A batsman had to play at least 70 to 80 balls to score 40 runs which has however ensured good practice for the batsmen for the Test matches. You get a lot of time in Test cricket and if you are patient, then I think the wicket isn't much of an issue,” he explained.
The Pakistan spinners played a pivotal role with their variety to win matches for Pakistan and they have tweakers like Mohammad Hafeez, who contributed immensely with the bat and ball and who will definitely be one of the main threats for the Tigers in the Test series. Younis showered praise on the slow bowlers.
“We have all top ranked spinners in the side. And top performer like Abdur Rehman boosts the side. He was brilliant in the last series. Its good for us that all of our spinners are in good form and I believe that a Test match is won through bowling,” said Younis, who has 71 Tests and 234 ODIs under his belt.
The 34-year old batsman was as confident as he could be while talking to the reporters but still he was not ready to demean Bangladesh as opponents in the series.
“I am expecting Test level competition from them though they were struggling in the T20 and one-day series. I think Test cricket is a very different ball game. If they can manage to play according to the situation and stick to their goals, I think they will give us some tough competition,” hoped Younis
Following the meek surrender of the home batsmen in the T20 and one-day matches, the talking point was how long Bangladesh could survive in the Test. Can Bangladesh take it at least to the fifth day?
“Only God knows about it. But I think if they play according to the situation they can survive for five days,” responded Younis with an inquisitive smile when asked the question.