Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood said on Friday that the situation of the match is "even" following Bangladesh's resistance against the home side on day three of the first Test at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Expressing his thoughts following the end of the day's play, Mahmood acknowledged the bowling of the part-time players, Agha Salman and Saim Ayub. "If we will manage to get the early breakthrough tomorrow and lead of up to 80 runs, then we have the chance to create opportunity for ourselves to win the match."
Mahmood said: "We will go with the same team for the second Test, but consider the situation. We are playing Test cricket after seven months of hiatus. It's too early to say who will win the match."
He acknowledged the team's energy in the field and bowlers' "intent". saying, "Everything is going in the right direction."
We will not exactly want to see the flat wicket in the Pindi Stadium. We are of the view that the wicket should provide an outcome for everybody. There is a need for good wickets to engage people to watch the red-ball cricket. There should also be the seam and bounce."
Mahmood admitted that Shaheen Shah Afridi lacked rhythm, saying, "Shaheen Shah Afridi is our best bowler. You cannot say that he is not bowling well on the basis of just one Test match. However, it is important for Shaheen Shah Afridi to get his rhythm back ahead of the crucial matches coming."
"The Test matches can be won by assessing the best resources in the team. We felt that the pacers could scoop up the 20 wickets," he said.
Rallying behind the pace battery, Mahmood said: "I think that even in the forthcoming series against England, we can get breakthroughs through the pacers. But definitely, you can include the specialist spinner in that series."
Speaking about Khurram Shahzad, he said, "Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers today, who bowled according to the plan."
Mahmood also acknowledged the disciplined bowling of Muhammad Ali. "It was due to the proper setup that Mohammad Ali took the wicket of Shadman Islam," he added.
Hailing all-rounder Aamer Jamal and Agha Salman as the "bright future" of Pakistan cricket, Mahmood said: "Pakistan get a great all-rounder in Aamer Jamal. It is key for the team to get fit."
Speaking about the foreign curator, Mahmood stated, "He is having plenty of experience."
He cited the examples of England and India in making the all-rounders, "You have to work to become the all-rounders."
"Mir Hamza is an excellent bowler. We have included Mohammad Ali instead of Mir Hamza considering the pitch. Both Mir Hamza and Mohammad are having experience of bowling long spells in the first-class cricket," Mahmood said.
