As Day 4 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi came to a close, Pakistan found themselves in a difficult position, trailing by 94 runs after Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 565 in their first innings. Despite Shan Masood’s declaration of Pakistan’s innings at 448/6, Bangladesh took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions, with Mushfiqur Rahim delivering a stellar 191 and support from half-centuries by Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Batsmen Favored Pitches
The pitch, which has increasingly favored batsmen as the match progressed, has once again raised questions about the quality of Test surfaces in Pakistan. This issue has been a point of contention, especially following criticism during Pakistan's home series against Australia and England in 2022, where the pitches were deemed excessively advantageous to batters, leading to imbalanced matches.
There were hopes that the new administration would rectify these concerns by enhancing pitch quality for home Tests. However, the ongoing Test at Rawalpindi seems to highlight persistent issues, with the pitch continuing to heavily favor the batsmen.
Naseem Shah Breaks His Silence Over Upsetting Pitch Conditions For Bowlers
The pitch imbalance has not only diminished the competitiveness of the match but has also led to growing frustration among Pakistan’s bowlers, who have struggled to exert a meaningful impact.
This discontent became apparent on Saturday when Naseem Shah, one of Pakistan's leading fast bowlers, voiced his concerns candidly during a press interaction. Facing mounting scrutiny over the bowlers' struggles against the Bangladesh batsmen, Naseem openly criticized the pitch conditions, revealing a broader sense of dissatisfaction within the team regarding the playing surface.
“You have to say it out honestly. I believe we have had enough series where we had such pitches,” Naseem said in the post-match press conference.
"They did their best to prepare a pitch that was helpful, but I think because of the heat, or excessive sunshine, the surface wasn't quite helpful. We have to think on how we can get the home advantage, because you have to get a match result at any cost.
“We didn't get the help we expected from the pitch. But everyone tried their best.”
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According to Naseem efforts could've been made to assist the spinners, if green pitches are difficult to maintain. This would atleast provide some kind of home advantage
“It's not my expertise but we have to use home advantage. If we can't make green pitches that can help fast bowler, give us pitches which help spinners. Test cricket has progressed a lot now. The fans are also attending matches in this heat. You feel the need to entertain them. You shouldn't feel you are facing challenges while playing the game yourself,” said Naseem further.
The Pakistani fast-bowler did not sugarcoat his words and thrashed Pakistan Cricket Board for not maintaining the pitch quality.
