Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha said the visitors would definitely push for victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. At stumps on the fourth day, Bangladesh were 152/3 in their second innings and held a 179-run lead over Pakistan. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 58, while experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 16.

At stumps on the fourth day, Bangladesh were 152/3 in their second innings and held a 179-run lead over Pakistan. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 58, while experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 16.

Speaking to the media after a rain- and bad light-affected penultimate day, Agha said Pakistan would be ready to chase if Bangladesh set a target of around 260 runs in 70 overs.

The 32-year-old, however, said he did not expect the home side to take that approach on the final day.

“Right now, you can’t say who has the upper hand in this game. I think tomorrow is going to be an exciting day of Test cricket. We just want to get them out as quickly as we can; that’s what our strategy is going to be,” Agha said.

“Definitely, we will go for the win if they are brave enough to give us 70 overs and a target of 260. We will definitely go for the chase, but I don’t think they will do that.

“If they give us two sessions and something around 250, we will definitely go for the chase first, and then we’ll see how the pitch is playing. But right now, we want to win this game.”

Agha later clarified that he was not questioning Bangladesh’s courage. He explained that, from the home side’s point of view, it would make sense to first push Pakistan out of the contest before setting a target. Still, he said he personally hoped Bangladesh would take a risk in search of a result.

“I’m not saying they are not brave enough or anything like that. I’m just saying that, for them, the best thing would be to take us out of the game first and then set us a target,” Agha clarified.

“But if they give us 70 overs and a target of 260 or 270, then we will be in the game as well, and personally I want them to do that.

“If we were in that position, we would try to make sure we took the opposition out of the game first and then set whatever target we wanted to give them. That’s what I’m saying.”

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