Australia will know Pakistan are no pushovers: Mohammad Hafeez

Veteran Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was highly impressed with the way Pakistan batted in the second innings of the ongoing Gabba Test. Pakistan were set a stiff ask of 490 to win the match. If Pakistan manage to do that, they will have their name etched in the history books for a record run chase. They showed great character and are still in contention to achieve the feat. Asad Shafiq is playing on an unbeaten century with the visitors having two wickets in hand.

With just 108 runs needed for a win, the match can go either way from here on. Mohammad Hafeez believes that Pakistan are capable of pulling a brilliant win on the final day of the Test match. Talking to the Express Tribune, Hafeez mentioned that this is not the first time Pakistan have come up with a fight like this. He appreciated the way Pakistan tailenders chipped in with crucial runs.

“Pakistan have shown similar characteristics in the past as well. So this should come as no surprise to anyone. The match is still very much open, especially considering the way the tailenders have impressed alongside Shafiq,” quoted Mohammad Hafeez.

He looked particularly impressed with Asad Shafiq. The young batsman scored his 9th Test century and is still at the crease with the hopes of an entire nation. He has scored 9 centuries while batting at number 6, the most by any number 6 batsman.

“He is one of the best batsmen around and played absolutely superbly. This should rank as one of his best-ever innings, if not the very best,” praised Hafeez.

Whether Pakistan ends up winning or losing the game, they have sent a clear message to the Australian team. They are no pushovers in the series. The all-rounder believes that the fight shown by the boys is enough to indicate the strength of the team.

“The players were unable to perform in the first innings but regardless of what happens in this match, Australia will now know that Pakistan will not be pushovers. They will realise they are in for a fight and the way the tail has played, they will think twice before ruling out Pakistan. This will also give a lot of confidence to the Pakistani players,” said the veteran cricketer.

Tracking the poor show in the first innings, Hafeez reflected that in order to succeed on bouncy tracks, one needs to score and not just defend.

“In Australia and even in New Zealand, you can’t just keep on defending. You have to look for runs and need to continuously attack the bowlers. If you try and defend then you will be dismissed very quickly,” he conceded.