CWC 2023: WATCH – “Best in the world,” Wasim Akram’s rich praise on Indian pacers after their heroics vs England

Shami and Bumrah ran through the English batting line-up in Lucknow.

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

Team India continued their unbeaten streak in the ongoing World Cup as they crushed defending champions England by 100 runs at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).

Asked to bat first, the hosts posted 229/9 in their allotted 50 overs on a sluggish surface. Skipper Rohit Sharma top scored with 87 while Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a crucial 49-run knock.

Defending the small total, the pace duo of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah ran through the English batting line-up. Shami picked up four wickets (4-22) in his 7 overs while Bumrah returned with the figures of 3 for 32 in his 6.5 overs, helping India bundle out England for 129 in 34.5 overs.

After the game, Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram heaped praise on India’s fast bowling unit, calling it the best in the world.

"Indian pacers look brilliant, they look best in the world starting from the leader of the pack Bumrah, Siraj ran in and Shami did the last nail in the coffin for England," Akram said on A Sports.

Akram acknowledged that it was a difficult wicket to bat on and lauded Rohit’s measured half-century.

"We all thought that India was lagging and England had a chance but the wicket was different from what we usually have seen in this World Cup. The pitch was difficult to bat on especially when India was batting. Rohit said in the post-match that he realised with his experience that one has to stay there longer. He led from the front, 87 off 101 balls, it was the need of the hour," he stated.

The former Pakistan captain also highlighted the importance of a crucial 21-run partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav for the ninth wicket.

"There was only one batter who hasn't scored so far, it was Suryakumar. He got 49 runs, he played very well, very sensible. And India's tail fought brilliantly, Bumrah and Kuldeep added crucial 21 runs for the ninth wicket. Those 21 runs on this wicket are equivalent to 50-60 runs. That shows they had the sense and awareness of the situation and that runs made a difference in the end.

“I think they knew that they are not going to qualify for the semifinal and India outplayed England in every department. England fought well and fielded beautifully. But in the end they were against the best side in this World Cup," Akram remarked.

With this victory, the Men in Blue reclaimed the top position on the 10-team points table. India’s next match is scheduled against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2.

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

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