In the aftermath of Pakistan's disappointing Test loss to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Captain Shaan Masood addressed the tactical choices that shaped the match's outcome.
Masood admitted that the decision to play with four fast bowlers didn't yield the expected results. He noted that the pitch behaved differently than anticipated, influenced by weather conditions during their stay in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. "We expected the pitch to do a bit more," he said, explaining that the team had anticipated needing their fast bowlers to carry the bulk of the workload due to the weather and pitch conditions. However, the match progressed without the predicted rain, exposing flaws in their strategy.
Masood also reflected on the decision to declare early, which was intended to push the game forward and give Pakistan a chance to attack in the fourth innings. In hindsight, he acknowledged that the team could have used those additional runs, but pointed out that lapses in fielding and bowling also contributed to their inability to secure a lead.
When asked about the team’s batting collapse, Masood attributed it to a combination of pressure and the challenging pitch conditions, particularly in the final session. He praised the Bangladesh bowlers for exploiting these conditions effectively but emphasized the need for his team to address their mistakes moving forward.
Masood also discussed the possibility of including an extra spinner in the lineup, acknowledging that it was a decision they had considered but ultimately decided against due to other team needs. "There's always room for a spinner," he said, noting that the absence of an all-rounder like Jamal forced them to opt for an additional pacer instead.
Reflecting on the Rawalpindi pitch, Masood mentioned that it differs significantly from those used in domestic cricket, which further complicated their assessment. He stressed the importance of learning from this experience and making better decisions in future matches, especially in home conditions.
