Shoaib Akhtar was “disappointed” with the lack of hunger and desire within the team.© AFP
Legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his frustration after Pakistan lost the World Cup match against Australia in Bengaluru on Friday. Akhtar said he was “thoroughly disappointed” by the lack of hunger and desire within the team. Pakistan captain Babar Azam once again failed to land a big blow, drawing criticism from all quarters. He scored just 18 runs in 14 balls after getting off to a good start. Akhtar believes Babar needs to score against big teams to justify the title of ‘great player’.
“Babar Azam is a great player but again, you have to play a great innings. You can’t make a big name of yourself by not scoring against big teams. If you want to prove that you are a big player, you have to do that. Score runs in big matches. You shouldn’t lose hope,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir dropped David Warner in the fifth off Shaheen Afridi’s delivery and Pakistan paid the price as Warner smashed a brilliant 163 off 124 balls.
Akhtar hit out at the management and questioned whether Pakistan really deserves to play in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
“To bring Iftikhar as the first change (in bowling), Usama Mir’s missed catch, all this is beyond my understanding. What is the management thinking? Pakistan’s chances (semi-final) look bleak. You still have to always playing against England, New Zealand and South Africa. I have a question. Does this Pakistani team deserve to play in the semi-finals? Very disappointed,” he added.
Centuries from Warner and Mitchell Marsh (121) took Australia to a mammoth target of 367/9. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out at 305.
This was Pakistan’s second defeat in four matches so far, having also lost to India last week.
Australia, on the other hand, is back on track after back-to-back wins. They had lost their first two matches to India and South Africa respectively.
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