Latif Blames PSL for Pakistan’s T20I Loss Against Bangladesh

KARACHI: Following Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat in the opening T20I against Bangladesh, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has voiced his concerns, suggesting that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is detrimental to the nation’s cricket framework.

Latif took to social media platform X to express his disappointment after Pakistan’s performance on Sunday.

Latif’s Statement

“While T20 leagues worldwide have proven beneficial for their respective national teams, the PSL seems to be adversely affecting the PCB,” Latif stated.

Match Summary: Bangladesh vs. Pakistan

Bangladesh clinched a convincing victory in the first T20I of the three-match series, propelled by a half-century from Parvez Hossain Emon.

Early Innings

Set a target of 111, Bangladesh faced an early setback as debutant Salman Mirza made an immediate impression with the new ball. Mirza dismissed Tanzid Hasan for one run in the opening over and then removed Bangladesh captain Litton Das for one in his subsequent over, leaving the hosts at 7-2 in just 2.2 overs.

Partnership

However, Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy stabilized the innings with a vital 73-run partnership for the third wicket, rescuing Bangladesh from a precarious position.

The partnership concluded when Abbas Afridi dismissed Hridoy for 36 off 37 balls, with the score at 80-3 in the 13th over.

Emon’s Performance

Emon remained steady and achieved his second T20I half-century. He remained undefeated on 56, guiding Bangladesh to a comfortable victory in 15.3 overs. Jaker Ali contributed with a brisk 15 off 10 deliveries, securing a 1-0 lead in the series for the home side.

Pakistani Bowlers

For Pakistan, Salman impressed in his debut, securing figures of 2/23 in 3.3 overs, while Abbas Afridi claimed one wicket.

Pakistani Batting

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting order struggled despite a promising start. Fakhar Zaman showed resilience with a 44 off 34 balls, but the remaining batsmen faltered under pressure.

Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 19.5 overs, marking their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Bowlers

Taskin Ahmed spearheaded the bowling attack with 3/22, while Mustafizur Rahman was equally effective, taking 2/6 in his three overs.

The second T20I match of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Tuesday.