Cricket News
Asia Cup 2023: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar react to Pakistan’s embarrassing defeat in opposition to India
Cricket followers world wide had been eagerly ready for the Asia Cup 2023 encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Nonetheless, what was alleged to be a nail-biting conflict became a one-sided affair as India crushed Pakistan by a large 228-run margin within the Tremendous 4s spherical. The defeat left Pakistan followers disillusioned, and plenty of veteran cricketers lashed out on the Babar Azam-led facet for not placing up a struggle.
The historic Kohli-Rahul partnership
The match, which was moved to the reserve day resulting from rain, witnessed an distinctive show of batting prowess by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. The duo crafted a record-breaking partnership of 233 runs, etching their names into the annals of Asia Cup historical past with the highest-ever partnership. The exploit from Virat and Rahul powered India to a formidable whole of 356 runs of their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan’s dramatic collapse
In response to India’s imposing whole, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled below the relentless stress from India’s bowlers. They had been dismissed for a mere 128 runs in simply 32 overs, falling short of the target by a staggering 228 runs. Kuldeep Yadav was the chief architect of Pakistan’s demise, securing a five-wicket haul for India. This defeat marked Pakistan’s most substantial loss to India by way of runs, a bitter tablet to swallow for his or her followers.
Additionally READ: Netizens laud KL Rahul after he checks upon injured Agha Salman during India-Pakistan clash in Super 4s of Asia Cup 2023
Shahid Afridi’s scathing critique
The loss was met with disappointment and frustration amongst followers and former cricketers alike. Shahid Afridi, recognized for his outspoken nature, took to Twitter to precise his displeasure. Whereas congratulating India and Kohli for his or her victory, he didn’t mince his phrases about Pakistan’s lacklustre efficiency.
“Successful/shedding is a part of competing, however not placing up a struggle, not displaying intent to win is simply poor. Precisely what I used to be referring to in my earlier tweet. India performed as #1 on the sphere, batting & bowling. Congrats @imVkohlion on reaching one other dream milestone of ODI runs and well-crafted by you and KL Rahul Chin up boys, you are able to do higher than this, subsequent match,” Afridi wrote on his X (previously Twitter) account.
Successful/shedding is a part of competing, however not placing up a struggle, not displaying intent to win is simply poor. Precisely what I used to be referring to in my earlier tweet.
India performed as #1 on the sphere, batting & bowling. Congrats @imVkohli on reaching one other dream milestone of ODI runs…— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 11, 2023
Shoaib Akhtar’s disappointment and hope
Shoaib Akhtar was one other iconic Pakistani cricketer who expressed his disappointment over the loss however maintained hope for Pakistan’s resurgence. He recommended India’s efficiency and highlighted the excellence of India’s batting and bowling items in a video shared on his X (previously Twitter) account.
“It could be untimely to dismiss Pakistan based mostly on a single defeat. Congratulations to India for his or her outstanding efficiency! India displayed distinctive prowess in each their batting and bowling. They left no stone unturned in dominating the match. India’s bowling unit exhibited a relentless perspective, persistently taking wickets and dismissing the opposition early,” mentioned Akhtar.
Being a former quick bowler himself, Akhtar admitted being significantly impressed by India’s bowling show and mentioned, “As a quick bowler, I discovered this to be an especially encouraging signal. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered good spells, and Kuldeep’s bowling was additionally distinctive.”
Complete victory for India. However Pakistan can bounce again and they’re going to. India utterly dominated this one. pic.twitter.com/hCGcntKoK6
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 11, 2023