Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed Pakistan for their timid batting during their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand. Pakistan were hammered by 60 runs in Karachi as they got all out for 260 chasing a target of 321 runs.
The hosts got off to the worst possible start to their innings as openers Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19) failed to take on the attack on the Kiwi bowlers. As a result, Pakistan were reduced to 22/2 in the first ten overs with Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 14) back in the pavilion.
Following their dismissals, Babar continued with the same approach and brought up his half century off 81 balls. After Pakistan’s poor show, Akhtar slammed the Pakistan batters for their slow batting and said that they’re way behind the rest of the teams in the world.
“You all saw the match, you would be disappointed just like me. Pakistan is playing completely different cricket compared to what the rest of the world is doing. There are no impact players, strike rate is very slow. They don’t even play run-a-ball. We leak a lot of runs. Pakistan are playing with just 4 bowlers while the rest of the sides play with at least 6-7 bowlers. It is a disappointing start,” Akhtar said.
Furthermore, the former speedster wished the team good luck for the all-important clash against India and hoped that the team would play aggressively.
“Pakistan is now in a do-or-die situation against India. The Indian team is very strong and looks difficult. I still wish Pakistan the best of luck. They should go on the offensive and try winning the contest. You have no option but to play very aggressively. But not like this. Wish them best of luck but looks very difficult now,” Akhtar said.
Following their loss against New Zealand, Pakistan’s net run rate has been affected massively, which is at -1.200. They will be up against India in their next encounter on Sunday, February 23. Pakistan will be under huge pressure to win the match at any cost to keep their title defence on track.
