Pak vs Aus: Abdullah Shafiq hopes to shine on last day

Pakistan faces a big task in preserving the second Test against Australia, but opener Abdullah Shafiq believes the hosts will prevail, according to The News.

Abdullah, who hit 71 not out in a stunning 171-run third-wicket stand with skipper Babar Azam, predicted that Pakistan would fight back on the last day of their 506-run chase.

“Today, we gained momentum, and hope was born. Tomorrow is a crucial day, and every effort will be made to bat with more focus and attention and mount a comeback,” Abdullah said at the close of the fourth day’s play in a virtual news conference.

Pakistan still needs 314 runs to win, which would be a world record chase.

“There was still some reverse swing but we were settled and that helped,” Abdullah added.

Abdullah was run out in the first innings here after hitting a splendid century in the first Test in Rawalpindi, but he played with more application in the second innings and provided good assistance to his Babar, who kept him steering throughout the sweating partnership that they established under strain.

During his partnership with Babar, Abdullah said that he learned from hi

“Babar is the world’s best batsman and I learn from him. Today also I learnt from him and will try to learn from him in future also.”

Abdullah said that he tries to play the ball on merit and stick to his basics.

“I try to stick to my basics. In difficult times your basics protect you and bring you out of trouble. I always try to play on merit and according to the situation,” he said.

“Our main aim tomorrow will be to help the team and bring it into a good situation and when I do this then comes individual performance.”

It appeared that the pitch was playing easy when both Babar and Abdullah were batting, but Abdullah added that they experienced obstacles on Tuesday as well, and that they will face them again on Wednesday.

“The pitch is the same and rough patches are created as the time progresses. We faced these challenges today and also will face them tomorrow,” said the opener.

“Australia is a tough side and they tried their level best to bowl well today. Tomorrow is a very crucial day and we will try to bat with tough nerves and enable Pakistan to make a fightback,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah also said that they had planned to pad leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson’s deliveries, who was bowling around the legs. And the Pakistani couple’s method worked, as they were able to avoid any damage.