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“The entire world needed to observe”: Shoaib Akhtar dissatisfied over no India-Pakistan ultimate in Asia Cup 2023
The Asia Cup 2023 has been a rollercoaster journey for cricket followers worldwide, stuffed with breathtaking moments, stellar performances, and sudden twists. Nonetheless, amid all the joy and drama, disappointment loomed massive as Pakistan’s journey to the final was cut short by Sri Lanka in the Super 4s clash of the occasion on Thursday (September 14).
The end result of the match shattered the goals of thousands and thousands who have been eagerly anticipating the last word showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Considered one of Pakistan’s cricket legends, Shoaib Akhtar, additionally expressed his disappointment, echoing the emotions of followers throughout the globe.
Pakistan’s valiant effort
Within the essential conflict in opposition to Sri Lanka, Pakistan put up a commendable efficiency with the bat. Abdullah Shafique’s sensible knock of 52 runs and Mohammad Rizwan‘s resilient 86 runs laid a strong basis for the Inexperienced Group. Iftikhar Ahmed (47) additional stabilized Pakistan’s innings, powering them to a difficult complete of 252/7 of their rain-reduced 42 overs. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana emerged because the game-changer, taking three essential wickets for his facet.
Kusal Mendis’ heroics
In reply, Sri Lanka was guided by the gifted Kusal Mendis, who showcased his class with a match-winning knock of 91 runs off 87 balls. Charith Asalanka (49) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) additionally chipped in with essential contributions.
In the long run, the match went right down to the wire, however Sri Lanka held their nerves and secured a two-wicket victory by way of the DLS Methodology technique. Whereas Sri Lanka’s win was a trigger for jubilation amongst their supporters, it left Pakistani followers disheartened.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2023 ends in a rare equal runs and overs scenario
Shoaib Akhtar expresses displeasure over missed alternative of India-Pakistan ultimate
Identified for his candid and passionate views, Pakistan veteran cricketer Akhtar didn’t maintain again when sharing his ideas on Pakistan’s loss and the missed alternative of an India-Pakistan ultimate.
In a video posted on his official X (previously Twitter) account, Akhtar started by acknowledging the excellent efficiency of younger tempo sensation Zaman Khan, who had made an affect regardless of becoming a member of the staff shortly earlier than the match.
However, because the video continued, Akhtar’s frustration grew to become palpable. He highlighted how the stage was as soon as once more completely set for the dream ultimate between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, which followers from all corners of the world eagerly awaited however lamented over the truth that this dream remained elusive, as historical past had proven in previous tournaments.
“You’ve seen the match. Pakistan are out of the match. The match that was made in favour of Pakistan, was all achieved by Zaman Khan. He landed the day earlier than yesterday and this boy did wonderful bowling within the Pakistan Tremendous League. No matter probabilities Pakistan had of successful the match have been all due to him. Shaheen Afridi additionally obtained a number of wickets however credit score goes to Zaman. He bowled very well,” mentioned Akhtar.
“Pakistan deserved to win go to the Asia Cup ultimate however they’re out of the match. The entire world needed to observe Pakistan play the ultimate. They are often criticised lots as they have been touted because the ‘favourites’ however are out of the match now. Sadly, there can’t be a Pakistan vs India match within the ultimate, it has by no means occurred (kabhi Pakistan, India ka match (ultimate) ho nahi sakta, kabhi hua nahi). This was the prospect however Sri Lanka deserved to be the finalists. They have been the much better staff,” he added.
Embarrassing loss. Actually dissatisfied .
Get up name guys!!! pic.twitter.com/qDtQWM7YJJ— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 14, 2023