(AFP Photo)
Salim Malik, the ex-captain, has alleged that Imad Wasim intentionally squandered deliveries during Pakistan’s narrow defeat to arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup held in New York.
In pursuit of a modest target of 120 runs, Pakistani batsmen faced 59 deliveries without scoring, ultimately managing only 113 for 7 during the match in New York on Sunday.
Wasim required 23 deliveries to accumulate a total of 15 runs during the match, which ended in defeat for his team.
“You look at his innings and it appears as if he was wasting balls not scoring runs and making things difficult in the run-chase,” Malik said on 24 News channel.
Afridi’s daughter is married to left-arm pacer Shaheen, who was removed as T20 captain just before the World Cup after just one series in New Zealand.
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar minced no words in criticising Pakistan’s below-par performance, saying the Babar Azam-led side doesn’t deserve to be in the Super Eight stage.
“A captain brings everyone together, either he spoils the team environment or he builds the team. Let this World Cup finish, and I will speak openly,” said Afridi.
“I have such a relationship with Shaheen that if I talk about him, people will say I am favouring my son-in-law,” he added.
Afridi’s daughter is wedded to the left-arm pacer Shaheen, who was stripped of his T20 captaincy just prior to the World Cup following only one series in New Zealand.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was outspoken in his criticism of Pakistan’s substandard performance, asserting that the team led by Babar Azam does not merit a place in the Super Eight stage.
“I think I should have a template text. Disappointed & hurt automatically set to be posted. The whole nation is down and out. Morale is down. Somehow you have to show intent to win. Do Pakistan deserve to be out of Super Eight? God knows,” Akhtar said in a video message on ‘X’, formerly twitter.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan feels Pakistan lacks self belief.
“Sometimes really poor pitches produce the best games .. this was one of them .. Pakistan just don’t believe they can win .. Simple as that .. #INDvsPAK.”
Following consecutive losses to underdogs USA and India, Pakistan’s prospects of advancing to the Super Eight stage now hinge on securing significant victories against Canada and Ireland. Additionally, they must rely on the Americans losing to both India and Ireland.
Even in such a scenario, both teams would accrue four points each, necessitating a comparison of net run rates to determine qualification.
