Wasim Akram gives 'brutally honest' take on Pakistan's loss
What's the story
The Pakistan cricket team suffered a major blow in their Champions Trophy campaign, losing to New Zealand by 60 runs. Meanwhile, the defeat, at home, is the third consecutive loss to the Kiwis in just two weeks. The defeats have exposed serious flaws in Pakistan's batting strategy and raised concerns ahead of their all-important clash against India. Additionally, the hosts' loss against NZ has also garnered widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers alike. Here's more.
Batting woes
Pakistan's top-order crumbles under pressure
In the match against New Zealand, Pakistan's top-order failed. Babar Azam struggled while scoring 64 off 90 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 14) and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19) failed to keep the momentum going. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, who came to bat at No. 4 after an injury scare while fielding, could only manage 24 runs from 41 deliveries. The top order's failure is said to be a major reason behind Pakistan's recent defeats.
Late surge
Lower-order batsmen show resistance in Champions Trophy match
Despite the top-order's failure, lower-order batsmen Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) put up a fight. However, their resistance wasn't enough to change the course of the match. By the time they came to the party, the required run rate had already gone out of hand and Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs, losing to New Zealand by a huge margin.
Akram's defense
Akram defends Pakistan's cricket team amid criticism
After the defeat, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram came up with an honest analysis of the team's dismal performance. He said, "I think these are our best players. If there were someone better than them, they would've been selected. Here, we have this popular word called 'parchi' (selected on reference). At this level, parchi doesn't work. We have 5-6 selectors, the domestic structure has changed. It's a complicated situation," Akram said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Bowling blunders
Pakistan's bowling strategy fails in Champions Trophy match
Pakistan's bowlers also had a tough time in the match. Haris Rauf gave away 83 runs in 10 overs and the team's dependence on part-time spinners backfired as they failed to contain New Zealand batsmen Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107). Even Shaheen Afridi, usually a reliable bowler for Pakistan, struggled during the death overs and finished wicket-less while giving away 68 runs in 10 overs. These bowling woes compounded Pakistan's problems in this crucial Champions Trophy match.