Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has voiced considerations over the standard of Pakistan cricket following their heavy defeat within the first Take a look at in opposition to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Pakistan suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss, marking their first-ever defeat to Bangladesh at dwelling, elevating eyebrows in regards to the state of the nationwide group.
Questionable choice and technique backfire
The loss was notably jarring as a result of Pakistan’s strategic missteps, together with the choice to area an all-pace assault, which many considered as a essential error. After posting a strong 448/6 of their first innings, Pakistan allowed Bangladesh to amass 565 runs, largely as a result of a superb 191 from Mushfiqur Rahim. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Pakistan’s batting collapsed within the second innings, managing solely 146 runs. Bangladesh then chased down the modest goal of 30 runs in simply 6.3 overs, sealing a historic victory.
Additionally READ: Ahmad Shahzad blames PCB for Pakistan’s embarrassing 10-wicket defeat in opposition to Bangladesh within the first Take a look at
Kevin Pietersen’s critique of Pakistan’s declining requirements
Pietersen took to social media platform ‘X’ (previously Twitter) to precise his disappointment with Pakistan’s efficiency. He recalled his time taking part in within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL), the place he encountered top-quality cricket and extremely motivated gamers. The previous cricketer questioned the obvious decline in Pakistan’s cricketing requirements, notably given the PSL’s previous repute for nurturing expertise. Pietersen has represented the Quetta Gladiators within the PSL from 2016 to 2018 throughout 27 matches.
In his put up, Pietersen wrote, “What has occurred to cricket in Pakistan? Once I performed within the PSL, the usual was excellent, the gamers have been devoted, and the younger expertise was distinctive. I’m baffled by how issues have modified,”
What occurred to cricket in Pakistan? Once I performed the PSL, the usual of that league was large, the gamers had an excellent work ethic and the children on show have been magic.
What’s taking place there?
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) August 26, 2024
Collection decider in opposition to Bangladesh
The second and remaining Take a look at of the collection is scheduled to start on August 30, once more in Rawalpindi. Initially deliberate to be held in Karachi, the venue was shifted as a result of ongoing building on the Karachi stadium in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. As Pakistan seems to be to salvage some delight, the strain on the group and administration has by no means been better.
