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Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Pakistan’s batting collapse against the Windies, noting the shift from team play to individual averages.
Abrar Ahmed run out by Roston Chase (Picture credit: AFP)
Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has said that while Pakistan once used to have expressive and explosive talent, over the years, cricketers have started playing for themselves, adding that a slight seam movement off the pitch is repeatedly putting the Pakistan batters in trouble.
In the decisive third game at Tarouba, Pakistan suffered a crushing 202-run loss to the Windies, folding for just 92 in pursuit of a 295-run target.
Pakistan slumped from 23/4 to 92 all out, a collapse that laid bare the flaws in their batting lineup, prompting an unrestrained critique from Akhtar.
“We used to have expressive and explosive talent and we played like that. We were never dependent on one individual; everyone chipped in,” Akhtar said while speaking on the Game On Hai show.
“No one used to look for escape routes. The environment has changed and in the last 10–15 years, everyone has started playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for their averages,” Akhtar added.
“We need to change the intent, the mindset and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?” Akhtar questioned.
Three of the top four batters, including captain Mohammad Rizwan, dismissed for a golden duck by Jayden Seales, fell without scoring, encapsulating the batting disaster.
“Halka sa seam hota hai toh musibat padh jaati hai (The ball moves a bit and they are in trouble). Rawalpindi pitch lekar nahi ghoom sakte (You can’t carry Pindi pitches everywhere),” Akhtar said.
Pakistan will next be in action on August 29 against Afghanistan in a tri-series that features the UAE as well, serving as preparation for the Asia Cup in September.
On Tuesday, an inspired Seales led the Windies to a crushing 202-run win against Pakistan in the third and deciding ODI in Trinidad.
Seales blew away the Pakistan top order en route to figures of 6/18 as the tourists were bundled out for only 92 in a chase of 295 to win.
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