LAHORE (Kashmir English): Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has slammed Pakistan’s performance after their 7-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening T20I in Dhaka. Speaking on a local TV show, Shoaib Akhtar said the team’s outdated approach and poor planning were the main reasons behind the loss.
According to Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan started the match well but failed to capitalize on the momentum. He criticized the batting lineup for collapsing after a decent start and said that aside from Fakhar Zaman’s 44, there was no real effort from the rest of the batters.
Speaking on a local TV show after Pakistan’s 7-wicket loss in Dhaka on Sunday, Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back in his criticism of the team’s approach, accusing the team of failing to evolve in the format. He said the same old mistakes were costing them results.
“Pakistan is still stuck in an era where they fail to capitalise on a good start. Apart from Fakhar [Zaman], there was no resistance,” said Akhtar, referring to the left-hander’s 44 off 34 balls — the only innings of note in Pakistan’s 110 all out.
The team lost its way after Fakhar’s early blitz, leading to a below-par score before a lack of experienced bowling options cost them in defence, which Akhtar was quick to point out.
“We felt the absence of Shaheen and Naseem — I mean, they are specialist T20 bowlers and could have turned the game in our favour. But, as you know, the score was just too low this time, and Bangladesh delivered a clinical and dominant performance,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
Despite a bright start by debutant Salman Mirza, the bowlers couldn’t maintain pressure as Parvez Hossain Emon’s calm and confident 56* guided the hosts home in just 15.3 overs, with Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali providing steady support on a less-than-ideal wicket.
Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, thanks to an unbeaten 56 by Parvez Hossain Emon. While debutant Salman Mirza showed early promise with the ball, Pakistan’s total proved too small to defend.
Shoaib Akhtar also warned that unless the team changes its mindset and team selection approach, more defeats like this could follow. He urged the management to rethink their strategies and bring back a more aggressive and modern brand of cricket.
