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MIRPUR: Former Pakistan cricketer and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja called Shaheen Afridi a ‘medium pacer’ during the first day of the opening Test match against Bangladesh.
During commentary, Ramiz highlighted Shaheen’s pace and compared him to Bangladesh’s fast bowlers.
“We don’t have pacers like Nahid Rana; we have medium pacers. So far, Shaheen Afridi has looked like a medium pacer,” Raja said.
He also mentioned the struggles that modern-day fast bowlers face in the longer format due to playing too much T20 cricket.
Ramiz’s assessment came after Shaheen struggled for pace, bowling between 125 and 134 km/h during his spells. He eventually finished day one with one wicket to his name while conceding 67 in 19 overs at an economy of 3.52.
Bangladesh showcased a commanding display at the end of the opening day of the first Test. The home side racked up 301 for the loss of four wickets in 85 overs, with Mushfiqur Rahim remaining unbeaten on 48 with the aid of six boundaries. On the other hand, Litton Das held firm, scoring eight not out off 35 deliveries.
The day largely belonged to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who hit a century. He made 101 off 130 balls, striking two sixes and 12 fours. He was well supported by Mominal Haque, who fell short of a century. The left-hander was trapped lbw for 91 by Noman Ali in the dying hours of the day.
The pair arrived at the crease when their side was reduced to 31-2 in the morning session. Both batters shared a mammoth 170-run stand from 257 deliveries, which took the sting out of Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Abbas picked up one wicket each, while Noman Ali also managed to scalp one.
READ: Shaheen Afridi achieves major milestone in first Bangladesh Test
