'Embarrassing for Pakistan': Harsha Bhogle on Pakistan's historic Test series defeat to Bangladesh

Renowned Indian cricket analyst and commentator Harsha Bhogle has expressed his dismay over Pakistan's shocking Test series defeat to Bangladesh, terming it as "embarrassing."

The national team suffered a 2-0 whitewash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking their first-ever series loss to the Asian rivals.

Bhogle, who has often analyzed Pakistan's strengths and vulnerabilities, reiterated his previous assessment that Pakistan is more formidable in shorter formats, while their weaknesses are exposed in longer formats like Test cricket. However, even he did not anticipate such a comprehensive defeat against Bangladesh.

“I remember saying some time ago that the shorter the game, the more dangerous Pakistan would be, and, almost as consequence, that the longer the game, the more vulnerable they would be,” Bhogle posted on X.

“But I didn't expect it to be this stark. Well as Bangladesh played, this is embarrassing for Pakistan,” he added.

The series defeat was sealed on the fifth day of the second Test, where Bangladesh chased down a target of 185 runs. Veteran players Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan played pivotal roles, securing Bangladesh's first-ever Test series victory over Pakistan.

Bangladesh's run chase was ignited by opener Zakir Hasan, who aggressively attacked the Pakistani bowlers, scoring a quick 40 runs off 39 balls before being bowled by Mir Hamza.

Despite losing Shadman Islam (24) shortly after, Bangladesh's middle order, led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, continued to build on the solid start. Najmul scored 38 before being dismissed by Salman Ali Agha, while Mominul added 34 before falling to Abrar Ahmed.

In the end, the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim (22*) and Shakib Al Hasan (21*) held their nerve to guide Bangladesh to a historic victory.

The defeat marks Pakistan's fifth consecutive Test loss in the ongoing World Test Championship, following three defeats against Australia and now two against Bangladesh. This string of losses has left Pakistan in a precarious position, sitting eighth on the WTC points table with a win percentage of just 19.05%.