A shocked Waqar Younis tried laborious to regulate his feelings as Pakistan went right down to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match quantity 22 of the 2023 ODI World Cup on the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.
Younis, a legend of Pakistan cricket, was within the commentary field with Pommie Mbangwa and Matthew Hayden when Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi hit the successful runs to create historical past.
Whereas Mbangwa described the feelings as Afghanistan celebrated after beating Pakistan for the primary time in ODIs, Younis was silent and simply nodded whereas reacting to Mbangwa, clearly discovering it powerful to course of what had simply transpired. Hayden, who has been related to the Pakistan workforce within the latest previous as a mentor, additionally wore a moderately surprised look.
Pakistan got here up with an underwhelming efficiency in Chennai to go right down to Afghanistan by eight wickets. Batting first, they put up 282/7 on the board. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam top-scored with 74, however the knock got here off 92 deliveries and featured solely 4 fours and a six. Iftikhar Ahmed’s 27-ball 40 gave the innings impetus on the loss of life.
Afghanistan had been good within the chase, crossing the goal in 49 overs. Opener Ibrahim Zadran, who was the Participant of the Match for his 87 off 113 balls, added 130 for the primary wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53).
The skilled Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) then featured in an unbroken 96-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Shahidi (48* off 45) as Afghanistan created historical past.
Younis lashed out at Pakistan after defeat to Afghanistan
Reacting to Pakistan’s shock defeat, Younis hit out at Babar and firm and opined that there was no methodology within the workforce’s play. He additionally questioned the perspective of the gamers.
The previous captain instructed Star Sports activities after the match:
“That is not the Pakistan workforce. I do know, you understand. The perspective was completely lacking, zero on the market. There was no methodology. , we’re not going to discipline and we’re sitting on the heels. We are able to sit down right here all night time and criticize as a result of they’ve offered us a lot to speak about.”
Conceding that he was harm by Pakistan’s poor efficiency, Younis credited Afghanistan for the victory.
“It is extremely hurting. However I am very completely happy for Afghanistan. They deserve it,” he acknowledged.
Pakistan’s loss to Afghanistan on Monday was their third consecutive defeat within the 2023 World Cup. That they had beforehand gone right down to India and Australia.
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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert