Former Pakistan quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar mentioned that each India and Pakistan tried their greatest to lose within the marquee match of the Asia Cup between the 2 nations in Sharjah on Sunday. Akhtar launched a video on his YouTube channel giving his ideas on the match, which ended with India profitable the ultimate over.
“Both the teams tried their best to lose the game and India almost succeeded in doing so. India tried their best to lose the match but Hardik Pandya put them on the line,” mentioned the 47-year-old.
After bowling Pakistan out for 147 within the first innings, India chased down a goal of 148 with two balls to spare – Hardik Pandya being the ultimate man of the match. He took his three wickets whereas bowling and scored 33 runs off 17 balls which included a six off the fourth ball of the final over and pushed India over the road.
Dropping Mohammad Rizwan, Akhtar mentioned that the opener set the tone for Pakistan’s low complete. Rizwan scored 43 off 42 balls, together with 4 boundaries and a solitary one on the ropes in his keep.
“If Rizwan performs at run-a-ball fee, what is going to occur? 19 dot balls in first 6 overs. If you play so many dot balls then you’ll face issues.
Rizwan opened the innings with Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Both discovered the opening proceedings tough to navigate. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh opened India’s bowling spell and set the tone for a masterclass in bouncers.
“I’ve mentioned this many instances that Babar Azam shouldn’t be opened. He ought to come down as soon as and lead the innings until the top,” Akhtar mentioned whereas condemning Pakistan’s batting efficiency.
Akhtar additionally criticized the choice calls made by each the captains. India determined to go together with Dinesh Karthik as a substitute of Rishabh Pant, whereas Pakistan determined to go together with Iftikhar Ahmed at No. Ahmed contributed 28 runs in 22 balls, whereas Karthik acquired just one ball to play on the crease. “It was a poor choice name by each the captains. Both tried to choose the improper groups. He dropped Rishabh Pant and we included Iftikhar Ahmed at quantity 4.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
