• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/10/2024
• 0 Comments

Despite the tricky target of 120, Pakistan was in a favourable position to replicate their Dubai heroics against India in New York on Sunday. They were cruising at 80 for three in 14 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan single-handedly leading the chase. However, a brilliant bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah and his fellow Indian pacers resulted in Pakistan succumbing to a narrow six-run loss in their second T20 World Cup match, leaving their campaign in jeopardy.

Wasim Akram’s Scathing Critique

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram did not hold back in his criticism of the senior players, particularly targeting Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman for their lack of game awareness. Akram was visibly frustrated by Pakistan’s inability to chase a modest target, pointing out the crucial error made by Rizwan during Bumrah’s fresh spell.

“They have been playing cricket for ten years, and I can’t teach them. Rizwan has no game awareness,” Akram said on Star Sports. “He should have known that Bumrah was given the ball to take wickets and that the wise thing would have been to play his deliveries cautiously. But Rizwan went for a big shot and lost his wicket.”

https://x.com/anngrypakiistan/status/1800185946585059487

Akram also criticized the overall mindset of the Pakistani players, suggesting that they play without the fear of consequences. “Pakistani players think that if they don’t perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them. It is time to keep the coaches and change the entire team,” he added.

Akram further revealed internal tensions within the team, particularly between captain Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, stating that they have not been on talking terms since the captaincy change last month. “There are players who don’t want to talk to each other. This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home,” he said.

Shoaib Akhtar’s Disappointment

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on his YouTube channel, was equally baffled by Pakistan’s collapse under pressure. He criticized the middle-order for failing to apply themselves during the chase, highlighting that the team was in a winning position but failed to capitalize.

“Very disappointing. It was a run-a-ball chance for Pakistan. Earlier, India’s middle-order messed it up. They were 80-odd in 11 overs and could have achieved around 160 but couldn’t. But for Pakistan, it was a close chance. Rizwan could have scored another 20 runs and won the game for the team. Sadly, we didn’t apply our brains,” Akhtar said.

“A lot of things are questionable, their intent, the application… it’s really sad for the team. Pakistan should have won this game. They were pretty much in the game, requiring 46 runs in 47 balls when Fakhar was there. We had seven wickets in hand but we couldn’t do it. I’m speechless and hurt, that’s about it.”

Also read Jasprit Bumrah ’s Excellence Helps India Defend Lowest Total in T20 World Cup History Against Pakistan

Another legendary pacer, Waqar Younis, expressed his shock at Pakistan’s performance. He described it as “horrible” and criticized the team for squandering a game that was within their grasp.

“They are a super team. Pakistan – if you can’t win this game, what should I say? This was given to you on a plate and Pakistan really spilled it. It was a horrible performance by the Pakistani batters. There were a few partnerships in the beginning but they couldn’t really finish the game,” he told Star Sports.