Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment at the pitches in Bangladesh and urged them to do some ‘soul searching’ if they want to succeed in global cricket.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets in a nail-biting third T20I at Dhaka to complete a (3-0) whitewash. Batting first, after winning the toss, the hosts on account of Mohammad Naim’s 47-run knock posted the total of just 124 runs on the board. 

Chasing the target Pakistani batter struggled, in what was a difficult pitch to bat on, and the match went down to the last over. With 8 runs needed in the 6 balls, Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah brought himself into the attack and removed Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali in consecutive deliveries to put visitors under pressure. 

Iftikhar Ahmed, who came to bat at No.5, smashed a six off the fourth ball and then perished on the very next ball. With two runs needed off the last delivery, Mohammad Nawaz then hit a four through extra cover to take Pakistan home and complete the whitewash. 

Notably, all three matches in the series were low-scoring as the batters from both sides struggled to get going. 

Despite Pakistan winning the series, former cricketer Shahid Afridi was not pleased with pitches in Bangladesh and said that the hosts need to do some soul searching if they have to succeed.

He added that they have talent and passion for the game but they need to play on better pitches. 

“Bangladesh really need to do some soul searching, do they want to win on such pitches and give ordinary performances abroad and in World Cups? They have great talent and passion for the game but desperately need better pitches if they want to progress,” Shahid Afridi Tweeted. 

Bangladesh and Pakistan will now face off in the two-Test series that will begin from 24th November at Chittagong. 

(PTI inputs)