Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistani team in the aftermath of their dismal performance in the ODI series against West Indies. The Men in Green just lost their first ODI series against the West Indies since 1991, being bowled out for 92 in the series decider, losing by a massive 202 runs.
Shoaib Akhtar accused the batting lineup of not playing to win, but rather to secure their place in the team.
The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasised the necessity for a shift in strategy and general dressing room mentality. The former bowler remarked how Pakistani hitters appeared to be having a lot of trouble with the ball seaming around.
“We used to have expressive and explosive talent, and we played like that. We were never dependent on one individual, everyone chipped in. 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. The intent should be to win matches for your country,” shared Akhtar while speaking on the Game On Hai show.
“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? Halka sa seam hota hai toh museebat pad jaati hai (The ball moves a bit and they seem that they are in trouble). Rawalpindi pitch leke nahi ghoom sakte (You can’t carry Rawalpindi pitches everywhere), commented the 50-year-old.
Pakistan disappointed their supporters by putting in an underwhelming performance in the final ODI of the three-match series against the Men in Maroon. Only two players (Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz) were able to cross the 20-run mark.
The 202-run thumping was also Pakistan’s fourth-heaviest defeat in their ODI cricket history. A scorching career-best spell by Jayden Seales (6/18 in 7.2 overs) proved to be too hot to handle for the Mohammad Rizwan-led visitors.
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