KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has called for urgent improvements in all departments following Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series whitewash against Bangladesh in a 78-run defeat in the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a tough target of 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs despite a spirited effort in the fourth innings. Bangladesh won with a match-winning spell from spinner Taijul Islam.
Pakistan’s resistance was led by Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a struggling 94 off 166 balls with 10 fours. Sajid Khan scored 28 off 36 balls with 5 fours as Pakistan looked to mount a late challenge.
Taijul made impressive figures of 6/120 in 34.2 overs. Nahid Rana picked up two wickets while Shoriful Islam and Mehidi Hasan Miraz picked up one wicket each in some decent bowling.
Speaking to social media platform ‘X’, Azhar praised their consistency throughout the Bangladesh series and highlighted the importance of their long-term investment in red-ball cricket development and players’ pathways.
He also praised the quality of the pitches, which provided a fair contest and tested both teams thoroughly.
“Congratulations to Bangladesh for a clinical 2-0 win over Pakistan,” Azhar wrote.
“Great performances throughout the series backed by excellent playing pitches that reward quality cricket. This success is not overnight – it is a long process and the result of the work done behind the scenes in developing the players, developing the systems and supporting them continuously,” he added.
The former top-order batsman insisted that Pakistan must take a hard look at their overall performance standards following the recent setback, pointing out that improvement is needed in every facet of the game if they are to continue to compete at the highest level.
“Meanwhile, Pakistan needs improvement in batting, bowling, fielding and especially match fitness,” he said.
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