Pakistan batters can save Karachi Test, says Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi still believes that Pakistan batters has the ability to save the Karachi Test against Australia. 

The Men in Green had a terrible outing on Day three as they could survive only 53 overs, managing 148 runs in the first innings. The Pakistani batters had no answer to the brilliant reverse swing bowling of Mitchell Starc. Australia ended the day at 81/1 in their second innings with a lead of 489.

“Pakistan has such batters who can spend time at the crease, which is why I’m still positive. The players' performances are good if we look at the past before this innings,” Afridi said as quoted by a local news channel.

Former all-rounder advised the players to take this opportunity to score big runs and make a mark in history. 

“This is a good opportunity for these players to become a hero and make a name for themselves,” he added. 

The former leg-spinner also commented on Australia’s choice of not enforcing the follow-on in the first innings regardless of a mammoth lead of 408 runs.

 “I think they wanted to ensure that the pitch deteriorates further while also giving rest to their bowlers before asking Pakistan to bat again,” he added. 

Pakistan have to survive two days to save the Test as Australia declared early on Day four after playing only 5.3 overs. 

The target for Pakistan is 506 runs which would be a world record chase as the previous highest successful run chase in a Test was 418 by West Indies against Australia in 2003.