Rashid Latif criticizes decline in Pakistani fast-bowlers' pace after Rawalpindi loss

Former cricketer Rashid Latif has voiced concerns over the declining pace in Pakistan's fast-bowling attack, attributing the team's recent struggles, including a historic loss to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, to this significant drop in speed.

Latif pointed out that the pace of Pakistan's top fast bowlers, once their main strength, has decreased drastically, impacting their effectiveness.

"There was a time when defeats against teams like Bangladesh were unthinkable. Our bowlers no longer bowl at breakneck pace, which was the root cause of the defeat in Rawalpindi," Rashid said in an interview with Cricbuzz.

He highlighted that bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shahzad, who initially bowled at speeds of 145 kmph, have seen their pace drop to around 130 kmph.

Rashid questioned whether injuries are being concealed and criticized the support staff for failing to maintain the bowlers' pace.

Rashid also took issue with Pakistan's tactics, particularly the decision to declare their first innings at 448/6.

He argued that the team should have aimed for a higher total to secure a stronger position in the match.

"The decision to declare at 448 for six was premature. They should have aimed for 550, which could have made the difference," Rashid added, pointing out that Bangladesh's superior adaptation to the conditions and their reliance on spinners ultimately outplayed Pakistan.

Bangladesh made history on Sunday by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings on the final day.

Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets between them to secure Bangladesh's maiden win over Pakistan in five-day cricket, a stunning 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

Mehidy grabbed 4-21 and Shakib 3-44 to trigger a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day, with the home side dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs. That left Bangladesh a target of just 30 runs, which openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam reached in 6.3 overs.