Pakistan endured their third successive defeat in the ongoing World Cup as Afghanistan outplayed them in Chennai on Monday (October 23).
Opting to bat first, the Men in Green posted 282/7 on the board on the back of half-centuries from Babar Azam (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) and crucial cameos from Iftikhar Ahmed (40) and Shadab Khan (40).
Chasing the target, Afghanistan crossed the finishing line in 49 overs with eight wickets in hand. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) set the tone with an opening stand of 130 runs, Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) stayed till the end to seal the deal.
This loss has sent shockwaves in Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity. No wonder, Babar Azam and his men are facing the flak from the fans and experts alike.
Amid the scrutiny, legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has extended his support to the Pakistan cricket team.
Taking to social media platform X, Saqlain shared a video message for the team, asking the players to bounce back for the pride of the nation.
“I know you all must be down after losing to Afghanistan. But we believe in you that you will bounce back. Aur aapko karna hoga, Pakistan ki izzat ke liye, pride ke liye. Just believe in yourselves and the almighty. Put your heart and soul, and you will change the results,” Mushtaq said in the video.
“You guys must have been through several hardships. So, think about that. Where you started from and where you are now. You all are self-made and have found your destination yourself. You are street-smart and no one is braver than you.
“You all have fought the odds to be here. Pakistan ki izzat ke liye tum logo ko bounce back karna hoga (You need to bounce back for the pride of Pakistan). We all love you,” he concluded.
This defeat has put Pakistan on the brink of elimination. They need to win their remaining four games and hope that other results go their way to secure a place in the semi-final.
Pakistan’s next World Cup match is scheduled against South Africa in Chennai on October 27.
