In the aftermath of Pakistan’s shocking 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh at home, former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has heavily criticized the team’s batting lineup, focusing particularly on the performances of young opener Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique. The dismal showing by the top order resulted in repeated second-innings collapses, ultimately leading to Bangladesh comfortably chasing targets in both Tests.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Akmal expressed his frustration with the lack of application shown by Pakistan’s batters, calling their performances “unacceptable” for a home series. He reserved particular criticism for Saim Ayub, who scored a half-century in the first innings of the second Test, only to throw his wicket away shortly after. Akmal, clearly disappointed, commented, “If I were in charge, I wouldn’t let Saim come near the team for the next two years after getting out the way he did.”
Pakistan’s Batting Woes
Despite a promising start in the first innings of the second Test, Pakistan’s batting unit failed to capitalize, getting bowled out for just 172 runs in the second innings, setting up an easy fourth-innings chase for Bangladesh. Akmal was not alone in his criticism, as fans and cricket experts alike expressed their concerns about Pakistan’s recurring batting collapses, especially under pressure.
Saim Ayub, despite his youthful promise, failed to live up to expectations across the series, finishing with just 135 runs at an average of 33.76. However, Akmal’s harshest words were directed towards Abdullah Shafique, whose technique he found unsuited to the demands of modern Test cricket. Shafique, who managed only 42 runs across four innings at a dismal average of 10.50, seemed to lack the aggression required at the international level, according to Akmal.
“Cricket has evolved. You can’t just sit back and survive; runs are expected from the start. Abdullah Shafique’s lack of contribution against Bangladesh is concerning for both him and the team. We can’t continue playing like it’s the ’90s or ’80s,” Akmal said, emphasizing the need for a more dynamic approach to batting.
Struggles Against Pace
A key area of concern for Pakistan was their inability to handle Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, particularly Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed, who regularly hit speeds over 140 kph. Pakistan’s batters seemed uncomfortable against high-pace bowling, a recurring issue highlighted by Akmal.
“Our batters are comfortable against pacers bowling between 130-140 kph, but once they see the speedometer cross 140 kph, their legs start to give way,” Akmal remarked. He added that this was clearly evident in the way Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed dismantled Pakistan’s batting order in both Tests, with the duo combining for nine wickets in the second match.
Missed Opportunities
While Mohammad Rizwan remained one of the few bright spots for Pakistan, scoring consistently throughout the series, the lack of support from other top-order players was glaring. Saud Shakeel managed to score a century, but Akmal pointed out that another big score was needed to stabilize the innings and set a competitive target for Bangladesh.
“Babar Azam and Rizwan also missed opportunities to make their mark in critical situations. You expect more from players of their caliber when playing at home,” Akmal noted.
Looking Ahead: England Series Looms
Pakistan’s next challenge is a three-Test series against England, beginning on October 7, 2024. With the team’s confidence already low after the Bangladesh defeat, Akmal warned that drastic improvements are needed if they are to compete against a strong England side.
“This is a wake-up call for Pakistan cricket. We can’t afford to play the way we did against Bangladesh when we face England. Every player must take responsibility, especially in tough conditions,” Akmal said.
The series against England will be a crucial test for Pakistan’s batters, particularly for players like Shafique and Ayub, who now face intense scrutiny after their disappointing performances. Whether Pakistan can bounce back from this defeat remains to be seen, but the upcoming series will be pivotal in shaping the future of several players.
Final Thoughts
Kamran Akmal’s strong words reflect the deep disappointment within the Pakistan cricketing community after their unexpected defeat at home. While there is hope that the team can regroup and make the necessary adjustments, the England series will undoubtedly be a tougher challenge, with little room for error.
The spotlight will now be on captain Babar Azam and coach Mickey Arthur to make the right decisions, both in terms of team selection and strategy, as Pakistan look to turn their fortunes around after a rough start to the 2024-25 Test season.
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