(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar slammed the Babar Azam-led team, which lost their second match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia by 62 runs on Friday at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Men in Green, who suffered their second consecutive defeat in the tournament at the hands of Australia, failed to chase down the target of 368 runs. Australia bundled out the Asian team for 305 runs in 45.3 overs and also overtook them on the points table, securing the fourth place.
The legendary Pakistan fast-bowler Akhtar was disappointed with the dull performance from Babar and his side. Akhtar slammed the Pakistan captain for his below-par display of batting against the Aussies as he scored a 14-ball 18 in a huge run-chase.
“Babar Azam is a great player, but again, you need to play a great innings. You can’t make yourself a big name by not scoring against big teams. If you want to prove that you are a big player, you have to score runs in big games. You shouldn’t lose hope,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
He also questioned whether the current Pakistani team is deserving enough to qualify for the semis, citing their questionable tactics versus Australia.
“To bring Iftikhar Ahmed as the first change (in bowling), Usama Mir’s dropped catch, all this is beyond my understanding. What is the management thinking? Pakistan’s (semi-final) chances are looking grim. You still have to play England, New Zealand and South Africa. I have a question. Does this Pakistan team deserve to play in the semi-finals? Thoroughly disappointed,” he added.
After this defeat, Pakistan have headed to Chemnai to play against Afghanistan on October 23.