Shaheen Afridi issued bold directive to quit international cricket and play first-class games

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has advised Shaheen Afridi to leave international cricket for some time and play first-class cricket. Shaheen Afridi had a disappointing time in the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh and returned with match figures of 2-88 in Bangladesh's first innings.

Usually known to pick up early wickets with the new ball, Afridi went wicketless in his opening burst in both the innings of Rawalpindi Test. Both his wickets were of Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both of whom bat below No. 7.

Afridi has been Pakistan's premier bowler across formats. But his form has dramatically dipped over the last few years. Even in the T20 World Cup 2024, he was far from his best and picked up 5 wickets in 4 matches.

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Basit Ali advises Shaheen Afridi to "go and play first-class cricket"

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali advised Shaheen Afridi to play first-class cricket. He claimed that Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in all the three departments.

"Shaheen Afridi should be rested 100 percent. He should go and play first-class cricket. He should be rested. Ali S put in a lot of effort. Pakistan failed in bowling, fielding, and batting. They beat us in all departments. It is wrong to say that the team had a bad day," Basit Ali said.

Once known for his lethal bowling with the new ball at a high pace, Shaheen Afridi has been unable to find form for some time now. His pace has also dipped and his bowling is lacking penetration.

Due to his lack of form, Pakistan's bowling has also suffered as they have been unable to pick up early wickets. Shaheen Afridi has picked up 115 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of 27.08.

Bangladesh's first-ever Test win over Pakistan

The match was heading to a draw until the fifth day when Bangladesh's bowlers turned the screws on Pakistan's batters. Pakistan were bowled for a below-par 146 on the final day, leaving Bangladesh with just 30 runs to win.

It was just a mere formality as the openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan chased down the target with ease to lead Bangladesh to their first-ever Test win over Pakistan.

This was Bangladesh's first-ever Test win against Pakistan in 14 attempts. They have previously lost 12 matches to Pakistan and one match ended in a draw.

Bangladesh move upwards in the WTC table

The victory is a huge boost for Bangladesh as they have earned crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) table. They have now overtaken Pakistan and South Africa in the standings and moved to the sixth spot.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have slipped to the eighth spot and their chances of qualifying for the WTC final next year have taken a big hit.

The next Test will begin on August 30 and will be played on the same ground. Pakistan will be looking to level the series and finish on a high.