Basit Ali Suggests Rest for Shaheen Afridi After Underwhelming Performance against Bangladesh

Former cricketer Basit Ali recommends rest for Shaheen Afridi following a poor performance in Pakistan's 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the opening Test. Afridi's struggles continue from the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan slipping in ICC rankings. Bangladesh's victory marks a historic moment in their cricket history.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has called for Shaheen Afridi to be rested after another disappointing performance in the 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test. Afridi managed two wickets in the first innings but conceded 88 runs.

Afridi's two wickets came late in the innings, removing Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud for an 18-ball duck. His form has been inconsistent since the T20 World Cup, where he took five wickets across four matches with an average of 21.00.

"Shaheen Afridi should be rested 100 percent. He should go and play first-class cricket. He should be rested. Ali S put in a lot of effort. Pakistan failed in bowling, fielding, and batting. They beat us in all departments. It is wrong to say that the team had a bad day," Basit expressed on his YouTube channel. Bangladesh, on the other hand, celebrated a historic victory after suffering 12 defeats and one draw in their previous 14 encounters with Pakistan.

The wet outfield delayed the match's start, but the game concluded with a thrilling 10-wicket win for Bangladesh. This victory significantly boosted their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, moving them to the sixth spot, while Pakistan fell to eighth place.

With Pakistan trailing 0-1 in the series, they will aim to level the score in the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)