Pakistan suffered yet another defeat against the inexperienced England side in the second ODI at Lord’s that was conducted in front of a full capacity crowd.
Even though the Pakistan pacers were off to a great start by picking two quick wickets in the first 5 overs as the hosts batted first, they failed to bowl those tight lines in the middle phase of the game.
Thus, after a 97-run partnership between Philip Salt (60) and World Cup winner, James Vince (56), the hosts managed to make a comeback and post a target of 248 runs. Pakistan’s batting unit failed yet again as they were bowled out for 195 as England won the match by 52 runs.
The former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar who was not happy with Pakistan's below-par performance lambasted the Men in Green. Akhtar criticized pacer Shaheen Afridi for his flying kisses celebration rather than being lethal with the ball.
“Shaheen Afridi likes blowing flying kisses more than taking wickets. At least take five wickets or run through a batting lineup before these hugs and flying kisses. What’s the point of doing it after just one wicket,” Akhtar told Cricket Pakistan.
“Don’t give excuses like the team wasn’t gelled in. They [England] assembled a team two and half days before the match and they were able to gel in but you weren’t despite being together for 30 days. You lost to England’s academy team,” he added.
England had to announce a completely new squad for this ongoing Pakistan tour as there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in the home team’s camp after the recently concluded white-ball home series against Sri Lanka.
As far as this ongoing ODI series against Pakistan is concerned, Ben Stokes and Co. will be back in action as they take on this Babar Azam-led side on Tuesday (13 July) at Edgbaston, with about 80% capacity crowd witnessing the game in the stadium.
(With Cricket Pakistan Inputs)
