Sylhet: Pakistan captain Shaun Masood admitted that missed chances in several innings cost his team a 2-0 Test series whitewash after losing the last Test by 78 runs.
Speaking after the match, Masood reflected on Pakistan’s overall performance, highlighting key phases they failed to capitalize on despite being in a strong position.
He admitted lapses in both batting changes and bowling discipline at crucial moments.
“The record of the match? There were a lot of mistakes and when you score 360 runs in the 4th innings, you expect it to be on the right side, but I think we had a lot to reflect on in all three innings,” Masood said.
The left-handed batsman also pointed out the turning points where Pakistan failed to take control, especially when Bangladesh were under pressure.
“A 46-run lead? The last four wickets were a lot of runs when they scored 116 for 6. Even though we scored 142 for 4, batsmen have to go big in Test cricket. There were things we didn’t do well in the first three innings and that’s why the fourth and fifth day didn’t work,” he said.
Masood emphasized the unforgiving nature of Test cricket and the need for greater consistency if Pakistan were to compete at the highest level.
“Changes moving forward? Test cricket you get punished for any mistake you make, that’s unforgiving and Test cricket is always played by the best of the best. You’re not going to get any easy games, you have to grind out results and that’s what you have to do as a side,” he said.
He also noted that Pakistan often put themselves in winning positions but failed to close out matches.
“We held our own – I can only count two Tests where we were completely outplayed – but in every other Test we were in positions where we didn’t finish well,” he concluded.
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.