CWC 2023: “Bazball is fine in Tests, you have to play ODI like ODI,” Shoaib Akhtar slams England’s performance vs India

England were bowled out for 129 while chasing India's target of 230.

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

England suffered a humiliating 100-run defeat at the hands of India in Match 29 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).

It was England’s fifth defeat in six games and the defending champions find themselves at the bottom of the World Cup points table, featuring 10 teams.

The Three Lions were outclassed by India and their chances of reaching the semifinals are now virtually non-existent.

Chasing 230 to win, England’s innings folded for 129 in 34.5 overs in Lucknow. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to hit a half-century. Liam Livingstone was the top scorer with 27.

For India, the pace duo of Mohammad Shami (4-22) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-32) claimed seven wickets between them while the spin twin of Kuldeep Yadav (2-24) and Ravindra Jadeja (1-16) shared the remaining three scalps.

After the game, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at England's performance, attributing their loss to a flawed strategy.

"India have beaten England very badly," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. "England got defeated badly because they are playing such a brand of cricket where they are bringing T20 cricket into ODIs. There is no planning on who will build an innings, who will play at a run-a-ball, who will construct an innings and who will slog."

Akhtar also expressed his sadness over England's early elimination from the showpiece tournament.

“I am very sad to see England heading out of the World Cup. Bazball is fine in Test matches, but you have to play an ODI like an ODI,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the top seven teams in the World Cup 2023 league stage would qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy, along with hosts Pakistan.

With the Champions Trophy qualification at stake, England still have a lot to play for in their remaining three World Cup 2023 fixtures.

England’s next match is scheduled against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 4.

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

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