Pace legend Shoaib Akhtar has slammed Pakistan batters after their poor performance in the decider game against the West Indies, where they suffered a 202-run defeat.
Pakistan suffered a 202-run defeat on Tuesday, which is the worst ODI defeat in 50 years. Chasing the target, Pakistan’s batting collapsed as three of the four batters succumbed to ducks.
Jayden Seales ripped apart the batting order, picking 6/18, which is the best by any bowler in an ODI against Pakistan. The Men in Green went on to score 92 runs in their 50-over innings.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam departed for 9, while Salman Agha offered minimal resistance, as top order scored with just 30. While all players bore the brunt in brutal post-match analysis, the duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were specifically criticised for their non-performance.
Babar Azam showed a signs of returning to form with an impressive 47 runs in the first ODI. However he faltered with a duck in the second game.
He went on to got dismissed for single digit score in the third ODI meant that his overall series performance remained inconsistent, leaving Pakistan without the steady batting anchor they desperately needed.
“We used to have expressive and explosive talent and we played like that. We were never dependent on one individual; everyone chipped in,” said Akhtar.
“No one used to look for escape routes. The environment has changed and in the last 10–15 years, everyone has started playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for their averages,” Akhtar added.
“We need to change the intent, the mindset and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?” Akhtar questioned.
Shoaib Akhtar has also outlined the root cause of Pakistan’s batting woes, stating that the team struggles to cope with even the slightest seam movement off the pitch, and it repeatedly catches their batter off guard where West Indies secured 2-1 victory.
“Halka sa seam hota hai toh musibat padh jaati hai (The ball moves a bit and they are in trouble). Rawalpindi pitch lekar nahi ghoom sakte (You can’t carry Pindi pitches everywhere),” Shoaib Akhtar said.
