Did Pak Coach Hesson Criticize the 'Poor' Pitch While Bangladesh Players Defend It?
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Synopsis
Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson criticized the pitch after a crushing defeat, while Bangladesh's players defended their performance, highlighting their adaptability. As the teams gear up for the next match, tensions rise over the pitch conditions and batting strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Hesson criticized the pitch conditions after the match.
- Bangladesh players defended their performance, citing familiarity with the pitch.
- Pakistan struggled with aggressive batting and run-outs.
- Parvez Hossain Emon was named Player of the Match.
- The next match is crucial for both teams in the series.
Dhaka, July 20 (NationPress) The head coach of Pakistan, Mike Hesson, attributed the team's struggles to a misjudgment of the pitch, yet he also expressed concerns about the condition of the surface at Shere Bangla National Stadium following their disheartening seven-wicket loss in the first T20I of a three-match series on Sunday.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for just 110 runs in the last over. Fakhar Zaman was the standout performer with a brisk 44 runs, while Mohammad Abbas Afridi (22) and Khushdil Shah (17) were the only other players to score in double figures.
In reply, Bangladesh successfully reached the modest target in only 15.3 overs, finishing at 111/3. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon was instrumental, remaining not out with a score of 56, showcasing his skills effectively.
The basis for Hesson's critique of the pitch stems from Pakistan's alarming collapse to 46 for 5 by the eighth over, as many players were dismissed attempting aggressive shots. The team also faced misfortunes with three run-outs, ultimately ending their innings at 114.
"I believe (the pitch) is not favorable for anyone," Hesson stated during the post-match press conference. "Teams are gearing up for the Asia Cup and the (T20) World Cup. This is unacceptable. However, it does not excuse some of the batting decisions we made. This pitch fails to meet international standards."
"Initially, we had a decent start. Fakhar Zaman played a few good shots, giving us a misleading impression of how the pitch was behaving," added the head coach.
"We made some poor choices in the middle overs. When the ball began to seam and bounce unpredictably, we should have recognized that high-risk shots were not the way to go. A couple of run-outs didn't help either," he continued.
On the other hand, Bangladesh's captain Litton Das dismissed Hesson's comments about the pitch, asserting that their experience on it worked to their advantage.
"We are familiar with the wicket since we have played here numerous times. While it’s not the simplest surface to bat on, we adapted well. Dew in the second innings aided the ball's behavior. Our bowlers performed excellently, taking crucial early wickets, which was key to our success," said Litton Das.
Player of the Match Parvez Hossain Emon echoed this sentiment, stating he did not perceive the pitch as poor.
"We didn’t think of it as a bad pitch, considering we successfully chased down the target in under 16 overs," he remarked, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. "We could have scored 150-160 runs had we batted for the full 20 overs. Perhaps they struggled to adjust to the pitch while we adapted more effectively. Typically, the Dhaka pitch supports bowlers, and we aimed to read the conditions quickly. That was our primary strategy."
Emon expressed his joy at the team's victory, remarking, "I’m obviously happy with our win. We maintained a positive outlook and focused on singles. I enjoyed hitting sixes during the match."
Bangladesh will aim to clinch the three-match series when they face Pakistan again at the same venue on Tuesday, July 22.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the varied opinions following the match. While Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson criticized the pitch, Bangladesh's players demonstrated adaptability and skill. The contrasting viewpoints highlight the complexities of international cricket, where conditions and player performance can significantly influence outcomes.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mike Hesson say about the pitch?
Mike Hesson criticized the pitch, stating it was not conducive for international play and lamented that it contributed to his team's poor performance.
How did Bangladesh players respond to Hesson's comments?
Bangladesh players, including captain Litton Das, defended the pitch, asserting their familiarity and adaptation to the conditions helped them secure victory.
Who was the standout player in the match?
Parvez Hossain Emon was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive unbeaten 56 runs.
What was Pakistan's total score in the first T20I?
Pakistan scored a total of 110 runs before being bowled out.
When is the next match in the series?
The next match in the series will take place on Tuesday, July 22.
