Basit Ali Compares Nahid Rana to Shoaib Akhtar, Criticizes Pakistan’s Team Selection

Basit Ali Compares Nahid Rana to Shoaib Akhtar, Criticizes Pakistan’s Team Selection

With the Sylhet Test now leaning heavily in Bangladesh’s favor, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has once again praised Bangladesh’s bowling attack. At the same time, he strongly criticized Pakistan’s team selection, bowling combination, and even the coaching setup.

Pressure on Pakistan’s Young Batters

Pakistan only batted for two overs late on day 3. Basit said the conditions at that time created huge pressure on Pakistan’s young batters because the ball was moving a lot under cloudy skies. He said, “Look at how much the ball was moving in those last two overs. Clouds had come in, and that creates pressure. At that moment, the pressure becomes very high.”

He added, “Even if Bangladesh were batting in those conditions, there would still be pressure. At the end of the day’s play, the pressure was clearly affecting the two young boys (Azan and Fazal).”

A Possible Turnaround

Still, Basit believes the match could change if the young batters build a big partnership. “If these youngsters can put together a 100-run partnership, then this match will not go the same way as the first Test,” he said.

Praise for Bangladesh’s Pace Attack

Praising Bangladesh’s pace attack, Basit said, “The way Shoriful and Taskin hit the seam, that’s their identity as bowlers.” He also brought Bangladesh bowling coach Shaun Tait into the discussion. “The same bowling coach who is now with Bangladesh was once with Pakistan – Shaun Tait. Pakistan let him go, and now he is producing results with Bangladesh. So we should ask ourselves who is really right for our team,” Basit said.

Questioning Team Selection

The former cricketer also questioned Pakistan’s team selection, especially the decision to play Sajid Khan. He said, “Who will answer for selecting Sajid Khan? He is not the kind of bowler who regularly takes wickets.” Basit added, “A real bowler creates catches in the slips. What kind of bowling is it if you are only trying to get wickets at midwicket or mid-on?”

Social Media Pressure

He also claimed Pakistan made decisions because of social media pressure. “People kept saying Bangladesh have left-handed batters, so play an off-spinner. That pressure came from social media,” he explained.

Advice for Pakistan’s Batters

Basit advised Pakistan’s batters to plan carefully against Bangladesh’s bowling attack and play session by session. “You have to play on merit and think session by session. You cannot hit two sixes in one over and then throw your wicket away in the slips,” he said.

The Threat of Nahid Rana

Basit also gave a warning about Bangladesh’s pace attack. “First, Pakistan need to survive the new ball. Then comes Bangladesh’s Shoaib Akhtar – Nahid Rana. He really is like Shoaib Akhtar,” he said while praising the young pacer’s speed.

He also spoke about how Pakistan should prepare against Nahid. “When Nahid Rana comes in, you need a proper plan against him. Then there is Taijul Islam, and before him, because of the left-handed batters, Mehidy Hasan Miraz may bowl earlier. Pakistan need plans against all five bowlers,” he added.

Conclusion

Finally, he warned Pakistan again about Nahid Rana’s dangerous bouncers. “If Nahid Rana starts bowling bouncers from around the wicket on this pitch, it will become very difficult. If a batter gets set and Nahid comes around the wicket to right-handers, he can create serious problems,” Basit concluded.