Azhar Ali says all the pressure will be on Pakistan as they aim to win the Test series against Australia.
The Men in Green go into the second Test on the back of a disappointing draw in Dubai after the Australians batted the entire day to deny the hosts in a match that they dominated.
Usman Khawaja’s 141 runs and seventh Test century as well as battling efforts from Travis Head (72) and captain Tim Paine starred for the tourists.
And Azhar insists given their familiarity with the UAE conditions, Pakistan must bounce back and deliver.
“I can’t say if the pressure will be more on Pakistan or Australia but we are the home side and obviously people expect us to win and so there is pressure,” said the senior batsman, who has played 66 Tests.
“However, having said that these are favourable conditions for us and we have to make the most of it.
“Pressure is always different in every match and obviously this is a decider. Being the home team we have to win it and we will enter the field thinking that. We will look to play positive cricket and hopefully the result will go our way.”
He added: “We are not disheartened but, yes, disappointed, obviously after dominating the Test match throughout and then not winning it.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t win but I think we also have to give credit to the Australians as well as they showed resilience and kept fighting till the end.”
