Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has delivered a stinging critique of both Pakistan and Bangladesh following their low-scoring Asia Cup encounter, which saw Pakistan edge into the final with an 11-run victory. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit called Pakistan’s batting a “flop show” and heavily criticised Bangladesh’s fielding and shot selection during the chase.
Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan posted a modest total of 135. According to Basit, their batting performance was one of the worst in recent memory.
“Pakistan’s batting? Flop. Flop show. What can you say? 27 runs in the first six overs, the lowest ever Powerplay score. And it wasn’t because of exceptional bowling, it was just poor shot selection,” he said bluntly.
He did, however, praise Bangladesh’s bowling, singling out pacer Taskin Ahmed and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for their performances.
“Taskin bowled top-class. He picked up three wickets and was relentless. Rishad bowled very well too and took a brilliant wicket, the way he got Fakhar Zaman out was top quality,” Basit noted.
However, Basit felt that Pakistan’s eventual score owed more to Bangladesh’s fielding errors than to their own batting skill.
“The credit for that 135 goes less to Haris, Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, or Shaheen Shah Afridi, and more to Bangladesh’s fielding,” he said. “They dropped simple catches, especially Nawaz and Shaheen’s. Those mistakes cost them dearly.”
Despite holding Pakistan to 135, Bangladesh failed to chase down the target, folding for just 124 in reply. Basit was unimpressed with their approach at the crease.
“They knew Litton Das wasn’t playing. They should have been smarter. But it looked like they were trying to chase 200. They were swinging wildly, going for sixes, trying to hit 50 in the Powerplay. That was irresponsible,” he added.
Basit labelled the batting from both teams as poor, but reserved harsher criticism for Bangladesh, especially their middle order.
“Pakistan’s middle order at least contributed. Bangladesh’s middle order couldn’t do anything. Shamim scored 30, Saif got out for 18, Rishad made 16 but by then the match was already gone,” he concluded.
While the match was won by Pakistan, Basit Ali’s analysis pointed to a contest marked more by errors and missed chances than by quality cricket. With India and Pakistan now set to face off in the final, the spotlight turns to whether both sides can produce a better standard of play on the big stage.
