Pakistan Fans Slam Shan Masood After Historic Test Defeat to Bangladesh
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Pakistan captain Shan Masood faced heavy criticism from fans after his team suffered a 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The loss marked Pakistan’s third consecutive Test defeat against Bangladesh and gave Bangladesh its first home Test victory over Pakistan.
Bangladesh’s win was powered by a decisive spell from Nahid Rana, who took 5-40 as Pakistan collapsed while chasing 268. The result triggered a wave of anger from Pakistan supporters on social media, with much of it directed at Masood’s captaincy.
“Yet they are continuing with Shan Masood. Shan Masood should step down himself,” one user wrote.
Another fan pointed to Pakistan’s poor record under Masood, writing, “Pakistan have now become only the second team after Zimbabwe to lose three consecutive Tests against Bangladesh. Shan Masood already has 11 defeats in just 15 Tests as captain. That’s disastrous.”
“No Pakistan captain except Shan Masood has ever lost a Test match to Bangladesh. Three straight losses now. Unacceptable,” another user posted.
Pakistan remained in contention entering the final session, helped by debutant Abdullah Fazal, who made a composed 66 under pressure. Fazal shared an important partnership with Salman Ali Agha that kept Pakistan’s chase alive.
Bangladesh seized control after tea. Veteran spinner Taijul Islam removed Fazal following a successful review, and Taskin Ahmed dismissed Salman in the next over.
Rana then tore through Pakistan’s middle and lower order. He dismissed Saud Shakeel before bowling Mohammad Rizwan with a sharp delivery that came back in and hit the stumps.
Rizwan’s dismissal also drew mockery online, particularly after his confident pre-match comments about Pakistan’s ability to chase any target.
“Rizwan before the match: ‘We can chase any target easily.’ Rizwan during the chase: 15 runs and bowled by Nahid Rana,” one user wrote.
Another fan joked, “Nahid Rana had Rizwan doing a full nagin dance before knocking his stumps over. Absolute cinema.”
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja also reacted to the result, taking a swipe at Pakistan by referencing the 1971 war.
“Once again, Pakistan surrendered in front of Bangladesh in Bangladesh, IYKYK,” Jadeja wrote on X.
Other users praised Rana’s match-turning performance.
“Nahid Rana’s spell after tea completely changed the game. Pure fast-bowling masterclass,” one social media user wrote.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier helped set up the victory with a fluent 87 in the second innings, allowing the hosts to set Pakistan a target of 268.
The defeat also hurt Pakistan in the updated World Test Championship points table. Pakistan, previously fifth and one spot above India, dropped to seventh after the loss. India moved up one place, while Bangladesh climbed two spots from eighth to sixth. (Source: IANS)
