Basit Ali harshly criticized Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan’s decision-making, highlighting these as key factors in their defeat to Bangladesh, who secured their first-ever Test win against Pakistan.
New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali harshly criticized Abdullah Shafique for his underwhelming display in the opening Test against Bangladesh. Pakistan’s decision to declare at 448/6 in the first innings proved costly, as Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, dominated in all areas to claim a historic 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi—their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan. The turning point came when Bangladesh secured a 117-run lead, leading to Pakistan’s downfall.
On Day 5, wickets kept falling steadily, but Abdullah Shafique remained steadfast at one end, steadily accumulating runs for Pakistan.
With Mohammad Rizwan partnering him, Pakistan appeared on track to post a competitive total. However, hopes were shattered when Shafique attempted an ill-advised shot against Shakib Al Hasan. Advancing down the pitch for a big hit, he misjudged and lost his wicket.
Basit Ali didn’t mince words in his criticism of the opener, highlighting Shafique’s dismissal as the key turning point in Pakistan’s defeat.
Wickets kept tumbling in intervals on Day 5, but one end saw a defiant Abdullah Shafique batting at will for Pakistan.
In the company of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan seemed all set to take the first-innings lead. That’s when disaster struck as Shafique attempted to take the aerial route to get Shakib Al Hasan out of his attack. He danced down the track for a big one but did not quite reach the pitch and, in the process, lost his wicket.
Basit Ali, however, spared no blood while slamming the opener and identified Shafique’s dismissal as a turning point for Pakistan in defeat.
“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. They played the wrong combination,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Shafique wasn’t the only player to throw away his wicket carelessly. Naseem Shah also made a reckless attempt at glory when the situation demanded resilience and holding the fort.
“Look at the way Naseem Shah gave away his wicket. This is Pakistan cricket, not street cricket, this happens in England’s league cricket,” he added.
Besides that, the allurement of players into playing poor shots for not being able to adapt with the conditions of this pitch was another factor in the defeat of Pakistan.
Choosing an all-pace attack by removing Abrar Ahmed backfired for Pakistan. Contrary to that, the Bangladesh tweakers Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz utilized the conditions expertly to bag nine scalps each and created major problems for Pakistan.
Basit Ali said the Test head coach of Pakistan, Jason Gillespie, did not make enough effort to get a judgment on the pitch conditions.
“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 look to level the series in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.