There was a time when you might stumble upon a world-class Pakistani fast bowler or a top batsman. But most exciting, most unpredictable teams on the international scene have disappeared and with them the nursery that produced Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2-0 and defeated them comprehensively, causing a very humiliating defeat to the Pakistani team. The series was staged in Pakistan and was expected to showcase the strength of the pakistan team; however, Bangladesh’s performances proved to be a masterclass in cricketing brilliance.
Chasing 185 to win, the Bangladesh inched their way to the target for the loss of four wickets 25 minutes before the tea on the fifth and final day to complete a 2-0 series sweep.
When play resumed on the final day of the match, Bangladesh began the chase of their target of 185 runs, resuming their innings at 42-0. The first breakthrough came for Pakistan after 16 runs were added to the overnight score when a delivery moving away from Mir Hamza had Hasan bowled.
The other pace bowler, Khurram Shahzad, soon got into the act when Shadman Islam miscued a drive to chip to Shan at mid-off.
A lack of further breakthroughs and the shallow target meant Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match and the series, reaching the 100-run mark in the 29th over.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, who reached 33, and Mominul Haque, who got to 20, dug in to stop any further inroads. Their captain brought up their fifty partnership off the last ball before lunch.
Shanto fell after the lunch break and Mominul threw away his wicket but veterans Mushfiqur Rahim, who made 22 not out, and Shakib Al Hasan guided Bangladesh home without any drama.
Shakib, who finished 21 not out, sealed the victory by hitting spinner Abrar Ahmed for four through the covers.
Skipper Shan Masood wore a brave face despite the humiliation at home soil and apologized to the fans.
“We apologize to the nation,” said Masood, who failed with the bat in the two matches. “Our common goal should be to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.
“It isn’t all doom and gloom, there are always learnings. We need to get fitter, neater and prepare better. It is going to be long Test and domestic season and we need to be better prepared for England,” Masood said.
