Team Pakistan in action© AFP
The Pakistan team became a laughing stock after losing to Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series in Rawalpindi on Sunday. It was a dream day for the visitors, who recorded their first ever win against Pakistan in Test cricket. Before this match, the two teams had faced each other in 13 Test matches, of which Pakistan won 12 while one ended in a draw. It was a brilliant performance by Bangladesh as their players performed excellently with both the bat and the ball.
Shan Masood and Co. faced severe criticism from fans and many former cricketers for their poor team selection. The hosts opted for a fast-paced attack and left their best spinner Abrar Ahmed on the bench.
Apart from this, the Pakistan team is also being criticised for ending their first innings before reaching the 500-run mark. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has also taken a hilarious dig at Pakistan.
On X (formerly Twitter), Chopra wrote: “Not many teams lose a Test match after finishing their first innings with over 400 runs and a 4-wicket lead. And at home, too. Pakistani cricket is a gift that keeps on giving.”
Not many teams lose a Test match after finishing their first innings with over 400 runs and a four-wicket lead. At home.
Pakistani cricket is a gift that keeps on giving– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 25 August 2024
Shan had previously stated that the decision to end the first innings at 448 for 6 was made to force a result.
“We wanted to win the game and therefore felt that we had enough runs to win the match. But the Bangladesh batsmen showed a lot of discipline and determination in their first innings. Mushfiq and Miraz batted really well,” Shan said at the post-match press conference.
“We felt that with 448 runs in the fourth innings we had a chance against them. More runs would have been good but there were also things with the ball and in the field that we could have done better to either take the lead or keep them on par,” he added.
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