'Teams don't surrender on a pitch like this', Ashwin reacts to Pakistan's collapse against Bangladesh

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his shock over Pakistan's unexpected collapse against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, playing on what seemed to be a perfect batting pitch, suffered a dramatic downfall on the final day, leading to a surprising defeat.

Ashwin shared his thoughts on the unexpected result, expressing disbelief at how the match unfolded.

“The match was in sleep mode for the first three days. Suddenly, Pakistan surprised me when I was about to catch a flight. When I saw the highlights of the match, I understood one thing. The proper, tired collapse on a final day. I haven't seen that for a long time," Ashwin said.

Ashwin was particularly puzzled by how Pakistan, known for their strong first-innings batting, fell apart on what he described as an "absolute road" of a pitch. 

"Teams don't surrender on a pitch like this. In first-class cricket, strong teams will bat first and hit big. The wicket will be a batting wicket. In those two days, they will pull off an all-out in a tired state. When the wicket crumbles, they will get all out again. I got that depiction. There is nothing in the pitch. It's an absolute road," he futher added.

Pakistan was bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings, with only Mohammad Rizwan showing some resistance. Ashwin was left confused by the events, especially when he saw Naseem Shah play a reckless shot before getting out cheaply. 

In fact, in the end, Rizwan was staging a fight. I didn't understand a thing. Naseem Shah played a shot and left cheaply. I didn't understand what just happened. I didn't understand a thing," he concluded.

Pakistan will now aim to make a strong comeback in the second and final Test, starting on Friday, August 30, in Rawalpindi. Following this series, Bangladesh will head to India for another Test series next month.