Former fast bowler and outspoken commentator Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the Pakistani cricket team after their second crushing defeat against England in the three-match series. Pakistan’s top order collapsed again and were bundled out for 195 for 52 while chasing a target of 247. The result meant that the visitors lost the three-match series to England.
Pakistan bowlers restricted and bowled out England for 247 in a 47-over side contest at Lord’s, but it was the top-order batting that was once again a curse for the Pakistani unit. The top 4 failed with the bat and it was only Saud Shakeel who battled No. 5 with 56 off 77 balls. The team lost wickets and were reduced to 118 for 7 before a valiant effort from a lower level – the order gave the total some sort of respect. But it was never going to be enough and the team was bundled out for 195 in 41 overs.
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This followed his terrific performance in Cardiff where, batting first, he was bowled out for 141, which the hosts chased down with 9 wickets in 22 overs.
Akhtar criticized the team for the shocking performance and predicted a 3-0 sweep for England in the series.
“Although it was just run-a-ball and what was it in that bowling that could cause you so much trouble. The ball nibbles a little, that in itself is a lot for you. A very, very average performance,” Akhtar was quoted as saying.
The Rawalpindi Express came down heavily on the poor batting performance of the top and middle order.
“It hasn’t happened yet. It’s going to be 3-0. Pakistan worked hard to make sure they deliver average performances. Pakistan’s batting has always let us down and the same trend continues. “
Akhtar further said that it was not very difficult to bat on the Lord’s pitch and the entire responsibility of the performance was on the batsmen. He said that such a defeat would spoil the mood of the fans and would not inspire young children to watch and emulate this team.
“Nobody enjoys criticizing someone. But tell which child will start playing cricket after seeing this team? The plan of the PCB is that no one can watch or follow cricket and it should not cost them anything.”
Akhtar said that the Pakistani team is always in the T20 mindset and does not have the patience or skill to last the full 50 overs.
“What was in the wicket, first tell me that. Pakistan is only a T20 team. They play like T20 and get out like that. He lost five wickets in twenty overs. His score in T20 too is 150-175 and it is the same in ODIs.
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