Rajput hopeful of Zimbabwe batting for three sessions

Zimbabwe coach Lalchan Rajput believes Zimbabwe can pull off a great escape on day five in their second Test against hosts Bangladesh with a positive mindset and by following the basics.

Zimbabwe have finished the day with 76 runs on the scoreboard losing two wickets. Both the openers have gone back to pavilion with the team still needing 367 runs to win the Test match.  

“Cricket is a game of uncertainties. You never know what will happen. It just takes one or two big partnerships. If you look at the earlier games like Pakistan versus Australia, they really saved a Test match. Usman Khawaja batted the whole day. So we hope somebody stands up and bats a session, because it’s just a question of three sessions. So if we can bat one session, then slowly we can (do it). But we’ll be positive, and hopefully we can save the Test match,” said Rajput during the post day press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium on Wednesday.

The task will be a daunting one for the visitors as it’s usually tough to bat in the Mirpur wicket on the fifth day. But the Zimbabwe camp was determined to play out for a draw.

 “We are not thinking too much about the pitch now. You just have to have a mindset where you play according to the merit of the ball. The pitch is not within our control, so the main thing is to back our defence, back our instinct, and play the ball on its merit. If the ball pops up or something, it’s unfortunate, but at least you’re there to try and defend. Hopefully we go with a positive frame of mind to play each ball as it comes, and play three sessions. We have to wait for the loose deliveries. We’ve got to try and score runs as well, and hopefully we can bat for three sessions,” Rajput added.

The first hour will be crucial for both sides because in all four days, the bowlers have gotten a slight advantage with the conditions. The Zimbabwe coach hoped, Taylor and Williams will stand tall in the first session and create pressure for the home side.

“In cricket I always believe you have to be positive. The first session will be very crucial. If we play the first session, then it becomes easier for the next two. If Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams can bat through, then the pressure will be on the fielding side,” the coach concluded.