Hosts Pakistan lost their first-ever Test match against Bangladesh by 10 wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, August 25.
The pitch at Rawalpindi, which is considered to be one of the flattest wickets in the country, saw plenty of runs in both the first and second innings with Pakistan declaring their inning at 448/6.
However, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif opined that captain Shan Masood's decision to declare the inning at 448 runs, was not only premature but also wrong.
Visitors Bangladesh then went on to score 565 runs, taking a lead of 117 runs on Day 4. With this advantage, their bowlers were able to put pressure on the hosts' batters, who were bundled out for just 146 runs.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on cricket action
WATCH: How Rashid Latif predicted Pakistan's collapse and defeat vs Bangladesh
Former Pakistan cricketer and now analyst, Rashid Latif was speaking on the YouTube channel 'Caught Behind' after Shan Masood had chosen to declare the first innings at 448/6, which in hindsight might have been a wrong decision.
He criticized Shan's decision as he felt that the team was still short of runs on the flat wicket at Rawalpindi, suggesting that Bangladesh batters have found it easy to bat as they had already gone past the follow-on score mark.
"Change your approach. We had declared and then they went past the follow-on mark and then they came to hunt you down. The declaration was wrong. Your decision was wrong. Your pitch was wrong. Your bowlers' approach was wrong. Your way of playing Test match is wrong. You have to correct these mistakes soon. If Bangladesh take a 100-run lead, we will come under pressure. We might not be able to bat," he had said.
Declaration ❌
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) August 25, 2024
Game Awareness ❌
Captaincy ❌
Fighting ❌
Communication ❌
Pitch Reading ❌
Unity ✔️
Playing XI ❌@DrNaumanNiaz pic.twitter.com/x1wWguw6td
Latif further added that the game could end in a draw if the Bangladesh batters get comfortable on the flat wicket at Rawalpindi. He was right as the visitors went on to post 565 runs on board, taking a lead of 117 runs.
However, the added pressure coupled with a shocking performance and decision-making from the Pakistan batters in their third innings, led to a stunning collapse as they were routed for 146 runs, with a lead of just 29 runs.
The Bangladesh batters chased down the total in no time as they won the match by 10 wickets. The two teams will meet again at the same venue in Rawalpindi in a couple of days, for the second Test match starting on August 30.
MORE: When did Pakistan last lose a Test at Rawalpindi?
What is Bangladesh's Test record in Pakistan?
Bangladesh have played three-Test series in Pakistan so far prior to the ongoing series, where they did not have any success.
However, in 2024, they were able to not only win their first Test match against the hosts but they also did stunningly as they humiliated Pakistan, defeating them by 10 wickets.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win% | Loss% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | - | 5 | 0% | 83.33% |
MORE: Top 10 batsmen with most runs in the 4th innings of a Test match
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >