If we thought the Pakistan cricket team was under performing before, we can certainly be sure of it now. After a 79 runs pounding in the 1st ODI against Bangladesh, we were hoping for a fight back.
Unfortunately we were once again embarrassingly taught a lesson by the dominant Bangladeshi Tigers.
Pakistan with an unchanged team won the toss and decided to bat first in the 2nd ODI in Mirpur.
Different day but same old story, a batting collapse left Pakistan at 77 for 5.
Azhar Ali made a slow 36 and Haris Sohail departed on 44. Had it not been for the newly selected Saad Nasim 77 not out and some firepower from Wahab Riaz with 51 off 40 balls, the total would have been much worse than the final 239.
Credit goes to the Bangladesh bowlers for their containment and wicket taking ability.
In reply Bangladesh trotted home with ease in the 38th over, winning by 7 wickets.
Tamim Iqbal 116 not out (2nd century in a row) and keeper Mushfiqur Rahim with 65, brought home the Dan Cake ODI Trophy.
Pakistan bowling once again proved unproductive and expensive.
The series win by Bangladesh is their first over Pakistan in history.
The only positives Pakistan can take away from today’s game is the batting of Saad Nasim and Wahab Riaz.
We have to congratulate the Bangladesh team on this convincing ODI series win. They outplayed Pakistan in all departments batting, bowling and fielding.
Further pressure mounts on new Captain Azhar Ali and the PCB management. Pakistani cricket fans are not used to their team playing without passion and heart. Winning and losing is part of the game, however the way Bangladesh easily brushed aside our team was embarrassing.
We don’t expect miracles overnight with a new team, but we do expect the players to show some fight.
If Pakistan lose the final 3rd ODI, their overall world position will slip to a new record low number 8.
A tour to Bangladesh can no longer be seen as easy batting and bowling practice. The Pakistan team should prepare well as they do for other international teams.
The next ODI encounter will be on Wednesday 22nd April.
