Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test
Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has defended wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan after his underwhelming performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh. insisting the senior player remains vital to Pakistan’s plans ahead of the second Test in Sylhet.
Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. falling short in a difficult fourth-innings chase of 268. The loss placed pressure on Pakistan ahead of the second and final match of the Test series.
Although Rizwan scored 59. 15 across the two innings, the wicketkeeper-batter endured a difficult outing behind the stumps, with dropped catches, missed opportunities and an unsuccessful stumping attempt allowing Bangladesh to strengthen their grip on the match at crucial moments.
Speaking to the media before the second Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test, Sarfaraz Ahmed threw his support behind the experienced wicketkeeper. said temporary dips in performance are part of the game.
“Mohammad Rizwan has been a brilliant wicketkeeper for Pakistan. Yes, he did not perform up to the mark in the first Test,. these things happen in cricket,” Sarfaraz said.
The former Pakistan captain. himself a seasoned wicketkeeper, suggested that adapting back to the longer format after limited red-ball cricket can be challenging for any player.
“As a former wicketkeeper. I understand that when you return to a format after a long time, such mistakes can happen. But I am confident Rizwan will bounce back strongly in the next match with both his batting. wicketkeeping,” he added.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was also seen working closely with Rizwan during Pakistan’s training sessions in Sylhet, offering technical guidance. support ahead of the crucial second Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Pakistan’s defeat in Mirpur drew criticism from former cricketers. fans, particularly after the visitors failed to capitalise on strong individual performances from debutant Azan Awais and Salman Ali Agha during the first innings.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto starred with a century. a second-innings half-century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam troubled Pakistan’s batting line-up on a challenging surface.
Reflecting on the defeat, Sarfaraz admitted Pakistan were disappointed with the overall performance. insisted the dressing room remains focused on making a comeback in the second Test.
“After the first Test we are very disappointed as a unit,. we remain confident of responding strongly in the next game,” Sarfaraz said.
The Pakistan head coach also dismissed suggestions that external criticism or social media reaction had affected the squad’s morale.
“Criticism is nothing new for us when performances go wrong. Remarks from former players or discussions on social media do not impact the team,” he said.
“Our entire focus is on the next Test match. I expect senior players to take responsibility, and we will review everything properly after the series.”Babar boost Pakistan
Pakistan will be strengthened by the return of star batsman Babar Azam for the second. final cricket Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Friday.
A knee injury ruled Babar. 31, out of the first Test, won by Bangladesh by 104 runs to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
"Babar Azam is available for the next match," Sarfaraz told reporters ahead of the second Test starting on Saturday.
"We are disappointed after the first Test but the past is the past. We are hopeful. We will bounce back as a team."
Bangladesh also have injury concerns among their top-order batsmen.
Shadman Islam has been ruled out with a chest injury sustained during the first Test. while fellow opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy's fitness is also being monitored.
White-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is set to make his Test debut in Shadman's absence.
Rain is predicted for the decider but Sarfaraz sought to play down the conditions.
"The weather is not in our hands. If we have an opportunity to play cricket here, we will definitely play good cricket," he said.
However, veteran Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim said the weather could play a decisive role.
"I think the weather is a bigger challenge than the wicket," he said. adding that there could be a little moisture on the wicket.
Mushfiqur was unmoved by the prospect of facing a fully fit Babar.
"If any individual. such a world-class cricketer like him is in the team, then naturally it will be a boost for them," he said.
"But when we won 2-0 against Pakistan in Pakistan, he was there too." With input from AFP
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