In a scathing critique following Pakistan’s humiliating home series defeat to Bangladesh, former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad has openly questioned the team’s suitability for Test cricket. Shahzad’s comments come after Pakistan suffered a historic 2-0 whitewash in Rawalpindi against a lower-ranked Bangladesh side, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series win against Pakistan. The loss has triggered widespread criticism, with Shahzad highlighting the team’s poor performance and lack of preparedness.
Bangladesh’s Historic Test Series Triumph Over Pakistan
Bangladesh’s remarkable victory in the two-Test series against Pakistan will be remembered as a historic achievement in their cricketing journey. The series marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series win over Pakistan and their first Test series victory (of two matches or more) against a team other than Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The manner in which Bangladesh played, particularly in the second Test, showcased their growing prowess in the longest format of the game. Despite being under immense pressure, especially after being reduced to 26/6 in the first innings of the second Test, Bangladesh’s resilience and determination shone through. Litton Das‘s century and Mehidy Hasan’s crucial 78 were key factors in their recovery, eventually leading to a six-wicket victory.
This series win has not only boosted Bangladesh’s confidence but also had a significant impact on their standing in the ICC World Test Championship. With this triumph, Bangladesh has surged to No. 4 in the standings, with a points percentage of 45.83, overtaking England. This achievement highlights Bangladesh’s growing strength in Test cricket and their potential to compete with the top teams on the international stage. The victory in Pakistan, particularly in conditions unfamiliar to them, underscores the team’s ability to adapt and succeed in challenging environments.
Ahmad Shahzad’s Criticism of Pakistan’s Performance
Former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad did not hold back in his criticism of the Pakistan team following their humiliating home series loss to Bangladesh. Shahzad’s remarks, delivered in a video posted on his X handle, reflect the frustration and disappointment felt by many Pakistani cricket fans. He bluntly stated that the Pakistan team appeared unfit for Test cricket, pointing out their inability to perform in their own conditions against a lower-ranked team. Shahzad emphasized that Bangladesh had not only outplayed Pakistan but had done so without even needing to exert themselves fully, highlighting the stark difference in the level of play between the two teams.
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Shahzad’s criticism extended to Pakistan’s overall approach and preparation for the series. He noted that Bangladesh had managed to practice and prepare effectively despite the challenging conditions in their own country, whereas Pakistan failed to capitalise on their home advantage. Shahzad praised Bangladesh’s batting spirit and bowling discipline, contrasting it with Pakistan’s lacklustre performance. His comments reflect a broader concern about the current state of Pakistan cricket, particularly in the Test arena, where the team has struggled to find consistency and competitiveness.
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