Latif questioned whether injuries are being concealed and criticized the support staff for failing to maintain the bowlers’ pace and conditioning
KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has expressed serious concerns about the declining pace in the national team’s fast-bowling attack, attributing their recent struggles, including a historic loss to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, to this significant drop in speed. Latif emphasized that the once-formidable pace of Pakistan’s fast bowlers, which was a cornerstone of their success, has drastically diminished, affecting their overall effectiveness on the field.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Latif remarked, “There was a time when defeats against teams like Bangladesh were unthinkable. Our bowlers no longer bowl at breakneck pace, which was the root cause of the defeat in Rawalpindi.” He specifically pointed out that top bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shahzad, who initially bowled at speeds of 145 kmph, have seen their pace drop to around 130 kmph. Latif questioned whether injuries are being concealed and criticized the support staff for failing to maintain the bowlers’ pace and conditioning.
Latif also voiced his dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s tactical approach, particularly the decision to declare their first innings at 448/6. He argued that the team should have pursued a higher total to strengthen their position in the match. “The decision to declare at 448 for six was premature. They should have aimed for 550, which could have made the difference,” Latif stated, highlighting that Bangladesh’s superior adaptation to the conditions and their strategic reliance on spinners ultimately outplayed Pakistan.
The Rawalpindi Test marked a historic moment for Bangladesh, as they secured their maiden victory over Pakistan in five-day cricket, defeating the hosts by 10 wickets. Pakistan, who were bowled out for a mere 146 runs in their second innings on the final day, succumbed to the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan. Mehidy took 4-21 and Shakib 3-44, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Pakistan dismissed in just 55.5 overs.
This left Bangladesh with a modest target of 30 runs, which their openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, comfortably achieved in 6.3 overs, sealing a stunning victory. The defeat has raised significant concerns about the current state of Pakistan’s cricket team, particularly in the areas of pace bowling and strategic decision-making. Rashid Latif’s comments reflect the growing unease among cricket experts and fans alike, as the team struggles to recapture its former glory on the international stage.
#JIProtest, #ElectricityBillRelief, #CapacityChargesWaiver, #HafizNaeemurRehman, #NationwideStrike, #EconomicImpact, #BalochistanSolidarity,
