Shahid Afridi slams Pakistan for a 10-wicket loss against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan lost the first Test match against Bangladesh on their home soil in Rawalpindi. This was also the first defeat of Pakistan in a Test match against Bangladesh. They were thumped by the Bangla Tigers by 10 wickets and former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi couldn’t hold back to criticize the home team.

Afridi took to ‘X’ to raise questions about the type of pitch after the humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh. He also raised questions about Pakistan’s team selection and the decision to not pick a specialist spinner in the playing XI. He heaped praise on Bangladesh for their performance in the Test match and outwitting Pakistan in all departments.

“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,” the former Pakistan allrounder said in a Tweet.

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…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 25, 2024

Pakistan were bowled out for 146 runs in their second innings

Pakistan declared on 448 for the loss of 6 wickets in the first innings, riding on an unbeaten 171 from Mohammad Rizwan and 141 from Saud Shakeel.

Bangladesh scored 565 in their first innings, courtesy of a sensational 191-run knock from Mushfiqur Rahim, well supported by a 93 run innings from Shadman Islam, a half-century from Litton Das and a 77 runs innings from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. They managed to get a 117-run lead going ahead into the Test match.

Pakistan’s batting line-up absolutely collapsed against the Bangladeshi bowlers on the final day as they were skittled for a paltry 146 runs.

Mehidy took 4 wickets and Shakib-Al-Hasan took 3 wickets. Bangladesh needed just 30 runs to win the first Test and they completed that without losing any wicket in just 6.3 overs to get their first win against Pakistan in Test cricket history.

It was a shambolic display from Pakistan on a pitch that had very little help for the fast bowlers.