Former captain Ramiz Raja was scathing of Pakistan’s fast bowling reputation after the men’s national team suffered a shock home defeat to Bangladesh. Pakistan were beaten by 10 wickets in the first of two Test matches in Rawalpindi on Sunday, August 25. Pakistan lost a Test match to Bangladesh after going into the series opener with an all-pace side on a pitch that had a decent green tint.

Pakistan managed 448 in the first innings after being sent in to bat, thanks to hundreds from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. However, their bowlers struggled, allowing Bangladesh to post a massive total of 565. Shaheen Afridi (two), Naseem Shah (three), Khurram Shahzad (two) and Mohammad Ali (two) took nine wickets between them, but conceded a total of 351 runs and struggled to keep the runs down. Agha Salman, who was used as a part-time spinner, gave away 136 runs without taking a wicket.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, highlights of the 1st Test

In his YouTube show, Ramiz Raja criticised the pace bowling attack, saying it often collapsed under pressure. The former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman also said India exposed the weakness of the fast bowling attack in a 2023 Asia Cup match.

“The reputation of the fast bowler is gone. The debacle started during the Asia Cup. The crisis of confidence in this bowling line-up, especially in fast bowling, started with the match against India. Our fast bowlers were crushed in difficult conditions. Then the whole world realised that this bowling attack, when attacked, is not up to the standard that matches its reputation,” Raja said.

India scored 356 for 2 after Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored hundreds on a good playing field in Colombo last year in the match to which Raja referred. Pakistan were bowled out for 128.

“Everyone’s speed has dropped and the skill level is not there. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers looked more powerful. Our bowlers are more interested in having fun or creating drama after taking a wicket than in making a name for themselves through their performance,” Raja added.

Above all, Mitchell Starc doubts Pakistan’s fast-bowling abilities during their tour of Australia last year. The Australian pacer expressed surprise at the “lack of pace” in Pakistan’s line-up before debutant Aamer Jamal impressed, taking 18 wickets in three Tests.

Bangladesh’s spinners riot

Pakistan’s decision to field a bowling attack without a specialist spinner was based on the assumption that the pitch would help the fast bowlers, especially given the rain in the days leading up to the match. However, the pitch did not behave as expected and the pacers were unable to make a significant impact.

Captain Shan Masood admitted the error and explained that the team misjudged the pitch and expected it to provide more support to the fast bowlers. He also admitted that the decision to start the first innings at 448/6 to put pressure on Bangladesh backfired as the visitors responded with an exceptional batting performance to secure a 117-run lead.

The lack of a specialist spinner proved costly as Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, dominated the second innings, taking seven wickets and bowling Pakistan out for just 146.

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi criticised Pakistan’s tactics and questioned the decision to leave out their best spinner Abrar Ahmed and instead opt for a fast-paced bowling attack. He praised Bangladesh for their style of cricket which ultimately led to their historic victory.