Rawalpindi Test: Third Consecutive Innings Defeat for Bangladesh

The morning sun bathed Rawalpindi in a golden glow, casting a serene blue sky above. Yet, as the sun rose higher, so did the stark contrast between the hosts and the visitors on the cricket field. Bangladesh, despite having the early opportunities to challenge Pakistan, seemed to have been caught off guard, their resistance crumbling as quickly as the wickets fell. It was as though they had set their sights on an early exit, eager to catch an afternoon flight, rather than battling for a lasting presence on the pitch.

Pakistan, on the other hand, savoured the simplicity of the victory. A win so easy, so unchallenged, left little satisfaction for the opposition. The lack of fight from Bangladesh allowed for an extra day of rest—a luxury that few Test matches afford. It was a victory devoid of the drama that makes cricket memorable, the kind of win that doesn’t even afford the defeated the dignity of a challenge.

Despite the early promise of resistance, Bangladesh’s batsmen once again displayed an alarming tendency to self-destruct. Starts were made, but they were followed by reckless shot selection and an apparent inability to adjust their footwork. The second innings saw six Bangladesh batsmen fall victim to the leg-before-wicket dismissal—a fate that has become all too familiar for the team. It was only the second time in their Test history that such a fate had befallen them in an innings, the first instance occurring in 2009 against Sri Lanka. The record for the most LBWs in an innings belongs to Zimbabwe (7 against England in 2003) and New Zealand (7 against Australia), but the recurrence of this issue for Bangladesh speaks volumes about their technical frailties.

The crux of the problem lies in the inability to move the feet effectively, particularly against deliveries that nip back or are pitched fuller. This flaw, deeply ingrained in the mindset of Bangladeshi batsmen, is nurtured on the docile pitches of the domestic circuit, where bowlers struggle to extract any real assistance from the surface. On such pitches, a lack of foot movement can often go unnoticed, and batters can accumulate runs without truly being tested. But when they step outside this comfort zone, as they did in Rawalpindi, the lack of preparation becomes painfully evident.

Rawalpindi, a pitch that should have offered enough for the batsmen to make a fight of it, instead became a graveyard for Bangladesh’s ambitions. The question remains: why did they capitulate so easily? One possible explanation lies in the deep-seated habits formed on the placid decks of domestic cricket. These habits, once ingrained, are not easily shaken off, even in the face of stiffer challenges.

The lack of discipline in shot selection, even when set at the crease, continues to plague Bangladesh’s senior batsmen. Mominul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudullah Riyad, all of whom have considerable experience, should have been the guiding lights for their younger counterparts. Instead, their shot choices raised questions about their judgment and sensibility. While the absence of key players is often cited as an excuse, the fact remains that the team possesses enough seasoned cricketers to provide direction and stability.

This defeat in Rawalpindi marked the third consecutive innings defeat for Bangladesh, further cementing their reputation as a team struggling to find its footing in the longer format. With 89 defeats from 118 Tests, their losing percentage stands at a staggering 75.42%. The recent triumph of the young Tigers in South Africa, a bright spot in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, cannot obscure the grim reality of the Test team’s ongoing struggles. Beneath the shine of that achievement lies the persistent shadow of Bangladesh’s Test cricket woes, a sad and ongoing saga that refuses to fade away.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Rawalpindi Test: Bangladesh Undone by Naseem Storm

Day 3 at Rawalpindi was a tale of two halves for Bangladesh, where promise and poise in the morning gave way to chaos and capitulation by the evening. The morning session shone brightly for the visitors, mirroring the crisp sunshine that bathed the ground. Abu Jayed and Ebadat Hossain set the tone with disciplined, probing spells that rattled the Pakistani batting order.

Jayed, in particular, was the architect of control. His unwavering line-and-length in the corridor of uncertainty left the batters guessing. Babar Azam, the overnight anchor, fell prey to Jayed’s persistence, departing without adding to his score. Ebadat then joined the fray, extracting movement off the deck and striking at crucial junctures. After the drinks break, Rubel Hossain chipped in with wickets, his late seam movement proving difficult to negotiate despite the occasional expense.

The standout tactical manoeuvre of the morning was Jayed’s round-the-wicket assault on Haris Sohail. With precision, he targeted the middle and off stumps, creating angles that hinted at movement away or into the batter, depending on the line. This clever adjustment bore the fingerprints of bowling coach Ottis Gibson, whose expertise seemed reminiscent of his work with Stuart Broad in similar situations. Though Sohail counterattacked to swell Pakistan’s lead, the charged-up Bangladeshi bowlers managed to stem the flow and restrict further damage.

Bangladesh’s reply began on a steady note. Nazmul Hossain and Mominul Haque exhibited resilience and maturity, blunting the Pakistani attack with sound technique. Mominul curbed his tendency to flirt with deliveries outside off, while Nazmul’s solid defence suggested a partnership that could anchor the innings. For a while, it seemed Bangladesh had weathered the storm.

But then came the 41st over, and with it, the unravelling. Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old prodigy, delivered a spell that will be etched in Rawalpindi’s cricketing lore. His fourth ball of the over was full and jagged back sharply from wide of the crease, rapping Nazmul on the pads. Though it appeared to be sliding down leg, Azhar Ali’s astute review revealed the ball clipping the stumps. The defiant stand was broken.

The very next delivery, Naseem cranked up the pace, delivering a similar-length ball that proved too much for nightwatchman Taijul Islam. The stumps were shattered, and suddenly, Bangladesh found themselves staring at a hat-trick ball. Enter Mahmudullah Riyad, tasked with stemming the tide. Naseem, brimming with confidence, bowled wide outside off. Mahmudullah’s tentative push, devoid of foot movement, resulted in a straightforward catch at slip. History was made—Naseem Shah became the youngest bowler in Test cricket to claim a hat-trick, a feat not achieved by a Pakistani on home soil since Mohammad Sami in 2002.

The collapse didn’t end there. Mohammad Mithun, in a moment of inexplicable recklessness, attempted a wild shot against Yasir Shah’s zooter, gifting his wicket away. It was a stroke so ill-conceived that even tail-enders would shy away from such audacity in today’s game.

What made this implosion even more disheartening was how it overshadowed the promise shown earlier in the day. Bangladesh’s bowlers had fought valiantly to claw back into the match, and the top order had laid a foundation that hinted at resilience. But cricket is a game of sessions, and by the close of play, the story of Day 3 was one of the squandered opportunities and a young pacer’s moment of brilliance.

Bangladesh’s hard work in the morning was undone in a single over of magic and madness. It was a stark reminder of the fine margins in Test cricket, where moments of brilliance can undo hours of toil.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Rawalpindi Test: A Tough Day for Bangladesh

Bangladesh had their moments on the field today, but crucial lapses proved costly. Two missed opportunities stood out like sore thumbs: the dropped catch of Babar Azam when he was on just 1 and the unclaimed edge of Shan Masood in the 44th over. The latter, confirmed by Snicko, was a glaring oversight as none of the fielders appealed. These errors allowed the duo to forge a century stand that drained Bangladesh under the unforgiving Rawalpindi sun.

Rubel Hossain showed glimpses of his old self in the 47th over, moving the old ball late both in the air and off the pitch. However, the lack of pace to complement that movement was evident. Whether it is age or a decline in form, Rubel no longer appears to possess the sharpness required at the Test level. This raises questions about team selection—why was someone like Al-Amin Hossain overlooked? Al-Amin impressed in India, offering a decent pace if not express speed, and might have been a more potent option in these conditions.

Taijul Islam, tasked with holding one end, toiled hard but was over-bowled. His consistent length often forced the Pakistani batsmen into risky aerial strokes early on. However, as the innings progressed, they adjusted comfortably. This shift could be attributed to a lack of tactical innovation from the captain. A change in ends or angles might have kept the batters guessing and prolonged Taijul’s effectiveness. Instead, his predictability played into the opposition’s hands.

Amid the struggles, Abu Jayed emerged as a bright spot. His discipline with both the new and old ball was commendable. The fuller length with the new ball troubled the Pakistani openers, and his adherence to a tight line-and-length with the old ball posed a constant threat. Jayed’s performance highlighted the importance of precision on a pitch offering little assistance.

The Pakistani batting lineup, for all its eventual success, showed vulnerabilities. Their top order was shaky, their defence fragile, and they displayed a propensity to throw away wickets—traits strikingly similar to Bangladesh’s own batting woes. Yet, it was the partnership between Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq that turned the tide. Their fluent stand not only steadied the innings but also sapped the energy and ideas of the Bangladeshi bowlers and captains alike.

This day could have unfolded differently for Bangladesh with sharper fielding, better utilization of bowling resources, and more imaginative captaincy. Instead, the missed opportunities and lack of tactical acumen allowed Pakistan to wrest control. It was a reminder that in Test cricket, the smallest lapses can snowball into significant consequences.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

The Same Old Story: Bangladesh Capsize On a Flat Deck

The Rawalpindi wicket, true to its reputation, presented a paradox for both batters and bowlers. Initially, the pitch offered some movement during the first hour, but its relatively low bounce—measuring an average of 1 cm less than the Test against Sri Lanka—meant bowlers had to rely on precision rather than assistance. The occasional bounce that was visible owed much to the hardness of the new ball and the undeniable skill of the Pakistani pacers. However, as the day wore on, the pitch’s true nature was laid bare: a flat, batting-friendly surface.

Given the conditions, this was a pitch on which the batters should have thrived, especially after being invited to bat first. Yet, Bangladesh’s top order faltered. The recurring issue was their tendency to commit to shots too early, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump. Instead of adjusting to the wicket and applying patience, they succumbed to expansive strokes that could have been avoided.

The middle order’s dismissals painted a similar picture—not the result of unplayable deliveries but rather a lack of discipline and application. The only standout was Mohammad Mithun, who demonstrated the temperament needed for such conditions. His innings was marked by composure, and it took an exceptional delivery to dislodge him, underscoring what could have been achieved with better shot selection.

This wicket, by all accounts, was a 400-run deck in the first innings. Bangladesh’s inability to post a competitive total was a product of their own making. Poor shot selection and the lack of strike rotation undermined their efforts. Instead of building partnerships, they allowed themselves to be lured into false strokes, handing the initiative to Pakistan.

From the hosts’ perspective, their bowling approach was pragmatic rather than spectacular. Recognizing the pitch’s limitations, they focused on building pressure through dot balls, effectively baiting the Bangladesh batters into errors. This strategy, while not requiring extraordinary effort, proved highly effective.

In the end, this was a tale of missed opportunities for the visitors. On a track that demanded patience and careful shot-making, they fell short—not because of the opposition’s brilliance but due to their own shortcomings.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

Bridging the Divide: The Case for Bangladesh’s Tour of Pakistan

The Bangladesh Cricket Team stands on the cusp of a historic decision, with a proposed tour of Pakistan that includes a Test series alongside shorter format matches. Should the tour materialize, it would mark Bangladesh’s return to Pakistan for Test cricket after a hiatus of over two decades, the last such encounter occurring in 2003. However, as with previous attempts, uncertainty looms large over the tour’s fate. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself navigating a delicate balance, reportedly contemplating a proposal to shift the series to a neutral venue should the Bangladesh government withhold its clearance. This cautious approach reflects not only the complexities of geopolitics and security but also the weight of history that underscores such a momentous decision.

On December 3, 2019, Akram Khan, the chairman of cricket operations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), articulated a cautious stance regarding the proposed cricket tour of Pakistan. “If we get the clearance from the government, we can start discussions with the Pakistan board, but we are yet to get the clearance. Everything will depend on what the government wants. We will definitely sit with the players to take their opinion as well if the government gives clearance for the tour,” he remarked. 

The BCB’s proposal to split the series—playing the shorter formats in Pakistan and the Test matches at a neutral venue—did little to appease the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). For a nation striving to restore international cricket on home soil, this compromise undermined their efforts. Hosting a partial series would dilute the symbolism of their hard-earned progress. 

The Sri Lankan Precedent 

Pakistan recently hosted Sri Lanka for a full Test series, marking the return of the longest format to its soil after a decade. The series concluded without incident, and Sri Lankan players left with glowing reviews of the hospitality and security arrangements. The PCB’s meticulous planning ensured that every detail was accounted for, and the success of the series became a testament to Pakistan’s readiness to host international cricket. 

Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, expressed his frustration over the BCB’s hesitance. “No one should be under any misapprehension as to where Pakistan's home Tests will take place. All of Pakistan's matches, against Bangladesh or anyone else, will take place in Pakistan,” he declared. Mani’s comments underscored the PCB’s resolve to reclaim its status as a host nation. 

A Historical Bond Forged Through Cricket 

From a historical perspective, Pakistan has played an instrumental role in nurturing Bangladesh’s cricketing aspirations. Despite the turbulent history between the two nations, particularly during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971, cricket became a bridge that helped mend relations. 

In the mid-1970s, cricket in Bangladesh was struggling to find its footing. The war-torn nation faced insurmountable challenges, and the sport was overshadowed by the popularity of soccer. However, the then Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan (BCCP) extended a helping hand. 

In 1975, the BCCP invited Bangladesh to nominate a player for the World XI to participate in a celebratory tournament marking the centenary of Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birth. Raquibul Hasan, Bangladesh’s nominee, became a symbolic representative of the nation’s cricketing potential. His inclusion introduced Bangladesh to the global cricketing community and set the stage for the MCC’s historic visit to Dhaka in 1977, where Bangladesh played its first first-class match.  

During the 1980s, Pakistan continued to support Bangladesh’s cricketing development. Tours by Pakistani teams and visits from cricketing icons like Imran Khan and Sarfraz Nawaz inspired young Bangladeshi players. These initiatives helped popularize cricket in a nation dominated by soccer, laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s eventual rise as a Test-playing nation. 

The Case for Bangladesh’s Participation 

From a purely cricketing perspective, Bangladesh stands to gain significantly by playing more Test matches against Pakistan. Pakistan’s bowling attack, renowned for its quality and depth, offers a formidable challenge that could help Bangladeshi batsmen improve their technique and temperament. Exposure to such high-quality opposition is essential for Bangladesh to elevate its standing in Test cricket, a format where they continue to struggle. 

The argument against touring Pakistan on security grounds has become increasingly untenable, especially in light of Sri Lanka’s successful series. The PCB has demonstrated its ability to host international teams safely, and further reluctance from the BCB risks isolating Bangladesh in the global cricketing community. 

A Step Toward Reconciliation 

Beyond cricket, a tour of Pakistan represents an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen ties with its neighbour. Cricket has long been a unifying force, capable of transcending political and historical divides. By agreeing to play in Pakistan, Bangladesh would not only honour its cricketing roots but also pave the way for greater regional camaraderie. 

Conclusion 

The hesitation to tour Pakistan is understandable given the complexities of geopolitics and security concerns. However, the benefits of taking this step far outweigh the perceived risks. For Bangladesh, the tour is not just an opportunity to compete but a chance to honour the historical support that Pakistan provided during their formative years in cricket. 

If Bangladesh aspires to grow as a cricketing nation, it must embrace challenges, even those that come with uncertainties. By playing in Pakistan, Bangladesh would reaffirm its commitment to Test cricket, strengthen its ties with a key cricketing neighbour, and, most importantly, take a bold step toward building a brighter future for the sport in the region. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar