Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar hailed the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team’s efforts during their heartbreaking one-wicket defeat against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai.
The 'Rawalpindi Express' was really impressed with the wonderful performance of the Pakistani fast bowlers and spinners against South Africa in a thrilling Cricket World Cup 2023 match on October 27.
However, Akhtar was not happy with Pakistan’s slow start during the powerplay and the number of dot balls they played in Chennai. He also slammed the field placement when Shaheen Shah Afridi was bowling against South Africa. Notably, it was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive loss in the tournament.
Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel: “It’s better late than never. Pakistan has done a wonderful job. The fast bowlers and spinners put their hearts out, and showed that they really wanted to have those two points, but unfortunately, that did not happen. They did marvellously in the fast-bowling department.”
He added, “Pakistan played a lot of dot balls. They take a lot of time in the powerplay. When Shaheen was bowling, slips should have been there and field placements should have been more attacking.”
Akhtar said that he really feels for the team, but they could have easily scored over 300 runs in Chennai. Notably, Pakistan will next face Bangladesh in the World Cup 2023 on October 31.
Shoaib signed off by saying, “But the team looked very serious and my heart goes out to them. But having said that, Pakistan could easily have got over 300 plus.”
