PAK vs BAN: Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the first T20I against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, head coach Mike Hesson vehemently condemned the pitch conditions, labeling the Mirpur surface as “unacceptable” for international cricket.
When Pakistan was bowled out for a paltry 110, Hesson said that the pitch was “not ideal for anybody,” considering teams are preparing for big events such as the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
It is still no apology for some of the choices we made with the bat. But this pitch is not an international standard,” Hesson asserted, highlighting the fact that although the batting debacle was partly the result of poor choice, the surface, too, was at fault.
PAK vs BAN: Details of Pakistan’s Collapse
Pakistan dived to 46 for 5 within the first eight overs, losing the majority of the wickets while trying hard shots, and never came back, all out for 110 in 19.3 overs.
Supported by three run-outs, their innings never gained momentum after Fakhar Zaman’s early burst of boundaries, which Hesson said provided a “false indication” of conditions.
Taskin Ahmed (3/22) and Mustafizur Rahman (2/6) took advantage of the conditions from the Bangladesh bowlers, causing a dramatic mid-order collapse.
Bangladesh’s Reply and Emon’s Counter
Bangladesh easily chased the score in 15.3 overs, losing three wickets along the way. Parvez Hossain Emon led the chase with a smooth 56 off 39 balls*, claiming the Player of the Match award.
Emon was opposed to Hesson’s opinion, saying:
The under-16 overs chase proved that the pitch was not as bad as suggested.
Bangladesh might have mustered 150-160 runs if they had played the full 20 overs, blaming Pakistan’s inability to adapt, not the quality of the pitch.
We adapted better than they. The Dhaka pitch traditionally assists the bowlers. We attempted to judge the wicket in a quick manner. That was our initial plan,” explained Emon, citing home advantage and flexibility.
Hesson’s Further Criticism
Hesson went further in his criticism, fearing that such surfaces fail even Bangladesh’s players while playing outside the country:
Building world-class cricketers needs “good cricket wickets,” not pitches that introduce uncertainty and disallow batting or bowling skill development.
He admitted some improved wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League but again said: “This pitch is not up to international standards.”
Reactions and Series Outlook
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das also denied Hesson’s statements, indicating local players are familiar with Mirpur’s issues. With the second T20I around the corner, Pakistan will seek to regroup and adjust, while the controversy surrounding pitch standards at the ground is expected to continue.
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