Former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja criticised fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi during the opening day of the first Test against the Bangladesh national cricket team at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
While commentating on the match, Ramiz Raja raised concerns over the form and fitness of Pakistan’s pace attack, particularly questioning Shaheen Afridi’s recent performances.
He said that many bowlers who mainly play short-format cricket are used to bowling four-over spells in T20 matches but struggle to maintain their performance in Test cricket, raising concerns about their fitness levels.
Ramiz Raja further stated that Pakistan currently does not have an express fast bowler like Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana. He added that Pakistan’s pace attack consists mostly of medium pacers and that, based on recent performances, Shaheen Afridi also appears to be bowling at medium pace.
It is worth noting that Ramiz Raja’s remarks come at a time when several former cricketers have raised concerns about Shaheen Afridi’s fitness and declining bowling speed, with reports suggesting he has been bowling between 125 and 134 km/h.
On the other hand, Bangladesh put up a commanding batting display on the opening day of the Test match against Pakistan, ending the day in a strong position at 301 for 4.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a superb century, scoring 101 runs off 130 balls. He was well supported by Mominul Haque, who played a fluent innings of 91 runs, helping build a solid foundation for the hosts. At stumps, experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48, steadying the innings and ensuring Bangladesh maintained control at the close of play.
Read more: Mirpur Test: Shanto’s century puts Bangladesh in command against Pakistan
