Key Points
- Shahid Afridi criticized Pakistan’s team selection and pitch preparation after their 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test.
- Afridi highlighted the omission of a specialist spinner as a significant oversight, calling it a “lack of awareness” of home conditions.
- Bangladesh chased down a low target of 30 runs to win the Test, with notable performances from openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam.
- Pakistan’s first innings total was 448/6, while Bangladesh scored 565. Pakistan was then bowled out for just 146 in their second innings.
- Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 191 runs in Bangladesh’s first innings, was named player of the match and donated his prize money to flood victims in Bangladesh.
- The second Test of the series will start on August 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Bangladesh leading 1-0.
Looma News
Shahid Afridi, the former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, has sharply criticized his team’s performance and strategy after they suffered a 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi expressed his disappointment over the team’s decision to leave out a specialist spinner, which he believes showed a lack of understanding of the local pitch conditions.
In the match, Pakistan set a formidable first innings total of 448/6. However, Bangladesh responded with an impressive 565 runs. Pakistan’s second innings was a struggle, as they were dismissed for just 146 runs, giving Bangladesh a clear path to victory. On the fifth and final day, Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, easily chased down the small target of 30 runs to secure their historic win.
Afridi took to social media to voice his concerns, emphasizing that the pitch and team selection choices did not align with the conditions typically found in Pakistan. Despite his criticism, he acknowledged the quality of cricket played by Bangladesh throughout the match.
Additionally, Mushfiqur Rahim stood out as a key player for Bangladesh, scoring a remarkable 191 runs in their first innings. Rahim’s generous act of donating his player of the match prize money to flood victims in Bangladesh was widely praised and added a touch of goodwill to the victory.
The series continues with the second and final Test starting on August 30 at the same venue, where Bangladesh will aim to maintain their lead and secure a series win over Pakistan.
