Pakistan must score 350 plus in first innings: Haroon Rasheed

Former Test cricketer says Azhar, Shafiq will have to play defining roles

Former Test cricketer Haroon Rasheed feels Pakistan must score at least 350 runs in their first innings to put pressure on Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Pakistan were on 142-4 at stumps on the rain-curtailed opening day of the second Test, with Azhar Ali (66) and Brisbane-centurion Asad Shafiq (4) set to resume the second day’s play.

The visitors, after winning the toss, did not build any decent partnership except the 51-run share from Younus Khan (21) and Azhar for the third wicket and Rasheed was unconvinced by their start.

That's a Bird seed! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/thyUE5ahQ8

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2016

“I didn’t see much problem for batsmen at this MCG pitch,” Rasheed told The Express Tribune. “The track is looking good for batting and there is not much bounce in it.”

With veterans, captain Misbahul Haq (11) and Younus, already dismissed in the first innings, the former Pakistan cricketer said Azhar and Shafiq have to play defining roles in this innings.

“Their partnership is going to be crucial,” he said. “Both Asad [Shafiq] and Azhar should try to stay for as long as possible and build a good partnership. The first hour [of the second day] will be difficult and they must survive the period as conditions will get easy afterwards.”

Outstanding catch from Maddinson! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/R6lofMYGXH

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2016

He continued: “A score of 350 plus runs in the first innings will be a decent total. It will give our bowling attack confidence. The Australian batting is inexperienced and our bowling has the potential to dominate them if enough runs are on the board.”

However, the 63-year-old insisted that the tourists must score runs at a better pace. “We are scoring at less than three runs per-over. You cannot pressurise the opposition bowlers with that.”

Meanwhile, the former chief selector predicted a vital role of leg-spinner Yasir Shah in the Test.

“The wicket has already started showing support for the spinners and as the match progresses there will be more wear and tear. It can go in Pakistan’s favour as Yasir can play a big role.”

Ideal finish to the session for the Aussies! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/5MjTYUhXer

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2016

He also backed the senior duo of Misbah and Younus to play valuable knocks in the second innings.

“Younus survived the difficult phase of his innings and it was unfortunate to see him dismissed without scoring much. Misbah is going through a lean patch and I wish him to regain form which is important for Pakistan in this series,” he concluded.