NEW DELHI: Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in Test cricket, losing by 10 wickets at home to Bangladesh, drawing harsh criticism of captain Shan Masood and his team.
This was Bangladesh's first Test match win against Pakistan in 14 encounters.
Former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja suggested that the defeat was linked to a disappointing performance in the Asia Cup against India, which shattered the confidence of Pakistan's bowlers. Ramiz Raja highlighted several issues that contributed to the defeat, including poor team selection and a significant decline in the ability of the fast bowlers. He highlighted the lack of specialist spinners and the struggles currently facing Pakistan's renowned fast-bowling attack.
Raja believes these issues became evident after the Asia Cup, when India's batsmen exposed the weaknesses of Pakistan's fast bowlers.
“First, there was a mistake in team selection. We didn't have any spinners. Secondly, the reputation of our fast bowlers, on whom we relied, fell apart. This fiasco, a crisis of confidence of sorts, began during the Asia Cup when India hurt our fast bowlers in seaming conditions. Then the secret was out to the world. The way to counter this batting line-up was to attack. Their speed had slumped, their skill had deteriorated,” Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.
Another focus of Raja's criticism was Shan Masood's captaincy. He blamed Masood's failure to accurately assess the match situation, which led to the surprising defeat. Raja specifically pointed to Masood's decision to field four pacers on the Rawalpindi pitch in August as a strategic error that backfired.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood (Associated Press)
“Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. In Australian conditions, things were tough and he felt it was impossible for Pakistan team to win the series there. But now, they are losing to a team like Bangladesh in their home conditions because they did not read the conditions well,” Ramiz asserted.
Raja also reflected on Masood's decision-making and the lackluster performances of the batsmen and pitchers under his guidance, suggesting that Masood needs to improve significantly in his batting if he is to secure his place in the team.
“He needs to work on his batting. He is not a good captain and so even if he keeps getting out without scoring, he will still have a place in the team. A loss will be a big blow to the team and their morale. We cannot afford to lose the series. Pakistan cricket is already under a lot of pressure. A series loss will create tension in the dressing room and there will be a lot of criticism and questions,” warned Ramiz.
