Mirpur, May 8, 2026: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas insisted the visitors’ bowling attack was “unlucky” despite Bangladesh national cricket team dominating the opening day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
After Pakistan captain Shan Masood elected to field first on a grassy surface, Bangladesh piled up 301-4 at stumps, powered by a superb century from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure throughout the day, with Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claiming one wicket each.
Speaking to the media after the close of play, Abbas rejected suggestions that it had been a frustrating day for Pakistan’s bowlers, saying the attack had created several chances but lacked luck.
“I don’t think it was a frustrating day. We worked really hard and, at some points, we didn’t bowl well, but at other stages we bowled really well and were a little unlucky as well,” Abbas said.
“There were plenty of play-and-miss moments throughout the day. I think it was a very good cricketing pitch and we have the new ball in our hands. We will come back tomorrow, take early wickets and try to finish the job as soon as possible,” he added.
The experienced seamer also shared his assessment of the pitch, which had initially been expected to assist fast bowlers.
“There is grass on the pitch, but underneath it is very dry. We have played enough cricket to understand that we need to work really hard,” Abbas noted.
“The weather is also very hot, but I still think it is a very good cricketing pitch.”
Abbas defended spinner Noman Ali after the left-arm spinner bowled six no-balls during his 20-over spell, saying such mistakes can happen when bowlers are pushing themselves physically.
“It is not like there was frustration among the bowlers or spinners. If I talk about myself, I bowled two no-balls. That can happen when you are putting in extra effort,” Abbas said.
“They were very close no-balls and, of course, they should not have happened.”
The 36-year-old pacer revealed he had bowled a lengthy spell because the team needed him during a demanding day in the field.
“It was a hard day. I had bowled 16 overs by tea because the team needed me,” he said.
“The bowling was good overall, but there were a few no-balls. There were a lot of play-and-miss moments and, if luck had been on our side, the scenario could have been different.”
Abbas also backed captain Shan Masood’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss, insisting most captains would have made the same choice given the surface conditions.
“I think any captain winning the toss on this pitch would have chosen to bowl first. The pitch is dry underneath, although there are green patches on it,” he concluded.
