Akhtar lashes out at ‘brainless’ Sarfaraz

Monitoring Desk

KARACHI: Former Pakistan pacer ShoaibAkhtar has severely criticized the Men in Green captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s tactics against India at the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup. While speaking in a video on his Youtube channel, Akhtar questioned Sarfaraz’s decision to bowl first against India, despite playing five regular bowlers.

“The mistakes committed by the Indian team during the Champions Trophy 2017 final were repeated by Pakistan today,” said Akhtar. “I can’t understand how Sarfaraz can be so brainless. How could he forget that we don’t chase very well. Knowing our strength, which is bowling, is important. Toss was very crucial and even if Pakistan had made 260, with their bowling, they could have defended it.”

He added: “It’s a very saddening and disheartening performance from the Pakistan team captain. I wanted to see shades of Imran Khan in him but it’s too late for him now.” Akhtar also slammed right-arm pacer Hasan Ali for his listless performance who he believes is only interested in playing T20 cricket and off-field antics.

“Hasan Ali, who never shies away from jumping around at the Wagahborder did not have the same energy when he is on the field for Pakistan. He couldn’t apply himself when it mattered the most. Many of his deliveries were short-pitched,” he said. “His mindset seems to be: I want to keep playing T20s and the PSL. But in the World Cup 2019, we can see that he has not shown any pace or swing that could trouble batsmen.” Pakistan were humbled by India during their 2019 World Cup clash on Sunday and only have three points from five games in the tournament, so far, which has kept them languishing on the ninth position of the 10-team table.