Courtesy: X
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, blasted the national team for their 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 47-year-old alluded to Pakistan’s team combination, leaving out a specialist spinner in home conditions, calling it “lack of awareness” before crediting Bangladesh for their exceptional brand of cricket.
Notably, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam chased down a paltry score of 30 runs, to secure the first Test win for their team against Pakistan on day 5. After Pakistan declared their first innings on 448/6, Bangladesh responded with 565-run total before bundling out the hosts for just 146 runs in their second innings, to shift the Test firmly in their favour.
A lack of awareness about home conditions: Shahid Afridi calls out Pakistan management
In his post on the official X account, Shahid Afridi addressed Pakistan’s Test loss against Bangladesh and wrote, “A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions. That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test.”
Mushfiqur Rahim was named the player of the match for his exceptional innings of 191 runs when Bangladesh were firmly behind the eight ball in their first innings after conceding a big score. He donated the prize money to the flood victims in Bangladesh in a gesture that won hearts of many.
The second and final Test of the series will commence on August 30, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Bangladesh will be looking to extend their 1-0 series lead over Pakistan.
