Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has said that Pakistan’s misery after losing the first Test against Bangladesh has increased as they have been docked six points due to a slow over rate as well. He also questioned their decision to play four fast bowlers instead of one prominent spinner. Notably, Pakistan faced a 10-wicket defeat in the series opener in Rawalpindi on Sunday, August 25.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “It was Bangladesh’s first win against Pakistan. Pakistan lost by 10 wickets after a very long time, whether at home or in the UAE. Pakistan cricket – how do you do this? It’s a gift that keeps giving. You assembled a line of fast bowlers on such a pitch. You went with four fast bowlers. Who is making the strategy and who is reading the pitch?”
“Then you were unable to bat well, surrendered against spin, and the over rate was so slow that ‘Khaaya peeya kuch nahin, glass toda 12 aana’. Six points have been docked. You are giving away more than you are earning. The over rate will be slow when you play so many fast bowlers. Pakistan cricket never seizes to surprise you,” the former India opener further added.
However, Pakistan released specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed from the squad before the first Test. They went with a four-pronged seam attack comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali as well. In the same video, Aakash Chopra also added that Pakistan cricket has hit its rock bottom as they continued their poor record at home as well.
“Pakistan’s situation is very bad. When you are playing at home, it is supposedly a good team, but you are not known by your name but by your deeds. It’s been a long time since they have won a Test match at home. You make road-like pitches. This was one of the flattest pitches considering the history of a lot of Test matches where you declared after scoring 448 runs and losing only six wickets. The opposing team takes the lead and after that you collapse. Pakistan cricket has actually hit its lowest ebb,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
