Pakistan’s dismal performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali, who has singled out Abdullah Shafique for his reckless shot selection.
Pakistan’s decision to declare at 448/6 in the first innings proved costly as Bangladesh outplayed them in all departments. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side scripted history by clinching a 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi, marking their first Test victory against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s downfall began after Bangladesh took a 117-run lead. On Day 5, wickets fell in quick succession, but Shafique held his ground and accumulated runs. However, his hopes of a respectable total were dashed when he attempted a reckless shot against Shakib Al Hasan.
Basit Ali has slammed Shafique’s shot as the turning point of the match. “If I was in the dressing room, I would have told Abdullah Shafique to pack his bags and leave. His shot was the reason Pakistan lost the match. After hitting 37, you are giving away your wicket with such a shot. Shan Masood should punish Shafique. This is Pakistan’s team, not your local team,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Shafique was not the only batsman to give away his wicket cheaply. Naseem Shah also attempted a glory shot when holding the fort was crucial. “Look at the way Naseem Shah gave away his wicket. This is Pakistan cricket, not street cricket, this happens in England’s league cricket,” Basit added.
Apart from poor shot selection, Pakistan’s failure to read the pitch conditions was another factor in their defeat. The decision to field an all-out pace attack backfired as Bangladesh’s spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined to take nine wickets.
Basit believes Pakistan’s Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, misjudged the pitch. “Both Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie lost their opening matches. They both made mistakes. Kirsten made a mistake in the Super Over against the US, and Jason made a mistake in reading the pitch,” he noted.
Pakistan will aim to level the series in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.
