AUS v PAK 2019: Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan's immature batting for wasting Babar Azam's effort

Akhtar was disappointed with the way Pakistan failed to utilize a good batting surface.

Babar Azam | GETTY

Pakistan captain Babar Azam looked helpless in the second T20I against Australia after finding no support from the top order batting partners. Azam, who scored a 38-ball 50, was run-out by David Warner on the last ball of 16th over. He held Pakistan's innings from one end but had no partner to build a much-needed partnership.

Iftikhar Ahmed coming down the order put on a good show with the bat and scored unbeaten 62 runs in just 34 balls. Lack of partnership in middle overs cost Pakistan the game. They were easily way short than par score as Australia chased down the target with nine balls left and won the match by seven wickets. 

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who comes up with his views after every game, highlighted how Babar's effort didn't get appreciation because of immature batting from other end. 

"I feel disappointment for Pakistan and especially for Babar who played superb in both T20s," said the ex-Pakistan cricketer.

"There are no batsmen who can take charge like Babar. I am saddened that his efforts went in vain," he said.

When Asif Ali played an irresponsible shot and threw away his wicket, Babar couldn't help but scream at him. It shows how frustrated he was after seeing the lack of responsibility in his partner's gameplay.

ALSO READ: AUS v PAK 2019: WATCH - Babar Azam gets angry on Asif Ali as the latter gets out playing an irresponsible shot

"The ball was coming up good, but Pakistani openers failed to capitalize. Haris Sohail, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan lack the maturity of that of Australian batsman Steve Smith," he said.

Shoaib lauded Mohammad Amir but pointed out the poor selection of Mohammad Irfan, who had an issue in his left leg. 

"The management should have thought of Irfan before picking him in the team," he said.

Australia was in comfort throughout the chase because of one man, Steve Smith. He scored an unbeaten 80, which was filled with eye-pleasing strokes.

"After comeback, Smith has been scoring tons of runs and has proven that he is a T20 player," Shoaib said, lauding Smith's flawless innings. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 06 Nov, 2019

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