[Watch] Taskin Ahmed knocks over Abdullah Shafique in the first over on Day 2 of Pak vs Ban 2024 2nd Test
Bangladesh's pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed knocked over Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique in the very first over of Day 2 of the second Test in Rawalpindi. The right-handed batter was beaten all ends up by pace and seam movement generated by Taskin and had to walk back to the pavilion without scoring.
Taskin, who didn't play in the first Test at the same venue, was handed the new ball by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The ball by the right-arm pacer pitched around off on the fourth stump and came back sharply to beat the 24-year-old's front-foot defense, crashing onto the poles. Taskin was ecstatic as Bangladesh got a dream start.
The toss fell in favor of the tourists as Shanto sent in Shan Masood's men to bat first, keeping in mind the pitch and overhead conditions. Both teams made changes to their playing 11 from the first Test, with Taskin coming in for Shoriful Islam, who had a groin injury. Pakistan dropped Shaheen Shah Afridi and rested Naseem Shah to bring in Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza.
"Some players are surviving on the basis of the runs scored in the past" - Basit Ali slammed Abdullah Shafique for his performance in first Test
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali heavily criticized the right-hander for playing a reckless shot in the second innings of the opening Test after being set on 37. Basit said in a video on his YouTube channel:
"Abdullah Shafique is very lucky. Some players are surviving on the basis of the runs scored in the past. If I was in the Pakistani dressing room, I'd have asked Abdullah Shafique to pack his bags and go home. Abdullah Shafique's shot cost Pakistan this match."
Pakistan had declared their first innings at 448/6 after twin centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, but Bangladesh took a 117-run lead. The hosts in turn managed to set only a 30-run target for the Tigers, which they chased with 10 wickets in hand. It was also Pakistan's maiden defeat to Bangladesh in Test cricket and their first by 10 wickets to any team on home soil.
They are also yet to win a home Test since 2021, having lost series to England and Australia, alongside a draw against New Zealand. Masood and company will host England and West Indies at home this season. Nevertheless, their concentration for now will be on avoiding a series defeat to Bangladesh.