Champions Trophy: Shoaib Akhtar fumes at Pakistan for timid batting vs New Zealand
Former quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed Pakistan for his or her timid batting throughout their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in opposition to New Zealand. Pakistan had been hammered by 60 runs in Karachi as they acquired all out for 260 chasing a goal of 321 runs.
The hosts acquired off to the worst potential begin to their innings as openers Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19) didn’t tackle the assault on the Kiwi bowlers. Consequently, Pakistan had been decreased to 22/2 within the first ten overs with Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 14) again within the pavilion.
Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh Dwell
Following their dismissals, Babar continued with the identical strategy and introduced up his half century off 81 balls. After Pakistan’s poor present, Akhtar slammed the Pakistan batters for his or her gradual batting and mentioned that they’re manner behind the remainder of the groups on the planet.
“You all noticed the match, you’ll be dissatisfied identical to me. Pakistan is enjoying utterly completely different cricket in comparison with what the remainder of the world is doing. There aren’t any influence gamers, strike price could be very gradual. They don’t even play run-a-ball. We leak plenty of runs. Pakistan are enjoying with simply 4 bowlers whereas the remainder of the edges play with at the least 6-7 bowlers. It’s a disappointing begin,” Akhtar mentioned.
Moreover, the previous speedster wished the group good luck for the all-important conflict in opposition to India and hoped that the group would play aggressively.
Don’t have any choice however to play very aggressively vs India: Akhtar
“Pakistan is now in a do-or-die scenario in opposition to India. The Indian group could be very sturdy and appears troublesome. I nonetheless want Pakistan one of the best of luck. They need to go on the offensive and check out successful the competition. You don’t have any choice however to play very aggressively. However not like this. Want them better of luck however seems very troublesome now,” Akhtar mentioned.
Following their loss in opposition to New Zealand, Pakistan’s internet run price has been affected massively, which is at -1.200. They are going to be up in opposition to India of their subsequent encounter on Sunday, February 23. Pakistan can be below large stress to win the match at any price to maintain their title defence on monitor.
