“Those 100 extra runs cost us the game” – Rashid Latif slams Pakistan’s declaration move after loss against Bangladesh

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper bat Rashid Latif has lashed out at captain Shan Masood’s declaration move after their 10-wicket loss against Bangladesh. After they were put into bat, Pakistan decided to declare at 448-6 in the first innings despite Mohammed Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi batting unbeaten on 171 and 29 runs respectively.

Bangladesh, in response, posted a gargantuan total of 565 runs on the board after Mushfiqur Rahim scored a magnificent knock of 191 runs. Ergo, the Tigers were able to take a 117-run lead to put their noses in front.

Latif reckons those 100 extra runs cost them the game and Pakistan should not declared in the first innings.

“Those 100 extra runs cost us the game. Bangladesh, on the other hand, read the conditions well and outplayed Pakistan. They wore down the Pakistani bowlers and then capitalized. There was no need to declare – they should have aimed for 550. Falling 100 runs short ultimately made the difference. (Mohammad) Rizwan was unbeaten on 171, and Shaheen was also batting well on 30 (29),” Latif explained in his column for Cricbuzz.

Latif reckons Pakistan’s veteran batters Shan Masood and former skipper Babar Azam failed to read the pitch and not playing on a grassy pitch backfired for the home team.

“The locals have to do it. Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach) is supposed to be the expert. But he lives in England. Shan Masood and Babar Azam have played in these conditions and they should have known. They thought grass would do the trick for them. It backfired. Jason Gillespie is a good coach. He has got the experience but it is not easy to read pitches in the sub-continental conditions for foreigners,” said Latif.

The second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at Rawalpindi from Friday onwards.