Mike Hesson slams Dhaka pitch, calls it unfit for international cricket
Cricket
Pakistan was bowled out for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs, struggling to adapt to pitch conditions
DHAKA (Dunya News) – Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has strongly criticized the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium pitch following his side’s defeat to Bangladesh in the first T20I, calling it unfit for international cricket.
In the opening match, Pakistan was bowled out for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs, struggling to adapt to the difficult pitch conditions. The top order collapsed early, with the score at 46 for 5 by the eighth over. Reckless shot selection and three run-outs further worsened the situation.
Speaking after the match, Hesson admitted that his batters misjudged the surface but also raised concerns over the subpar quality of the pitch. “I don’t think this pitch is suitable for any team preparing for the Asia Cup or T20 World Cup. It simply does not meet international standards,” he said.
He highlighted that Fakhar Zaman’s early aggressive shots gave the team a misleading impression of the pitch’s behavior. “In the middle overs, poor shot selection cost us dearly. We failed to assess the danger once the ball started seaming and bouncing,” Hesson added.
Read also: Bangladesh outclass Pakistan by 7 wickets in first T20I
He further stressed that playing on such pitches hampers not only preparation but also the technical development of players.
In response, Bangladeshi opener Parvez Hossain Emon disagreed with Hesson’s assessment, stating, “We didn’t find the pitch difficult at all. We chased the target in less than 16 overs. Had we batted the full 20, we could’ve scored 150 or even 160. We simply read the conditions better.”
Bangladesh now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20I scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue.
