Shoaib Akhtar disappointed with India’s loss to South Africa as Pakistan nears inevitable World Cup exit
India-Shoaib Akhtar (source: Twitter)
India lost to South Africa in their recent encounter in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 by five wickets. While the loss had little impact on India, Pakistan now has a very slim chance of reaching the tournament’s semi-finals. The Men in Green needed India to beat the Proteas in order to advance to the next round.
Former Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar was devastated by India’s defeat. In his most recent YouTube video, he claimed that if Indian batters had batted patiently, they could have scored 150 runs. However, he blamed the Pakistan team for leaving their fate to other teams.
“India ne marwa diya humein (India just spoiled our chances). Actually, we hurt ourselves. It’s not India’s fault, we played so badly and left our fate to others. I was wishing India would come strong and hard,” he said.
“Playing over these pitches isn’t easy and India left us very disappointed. Had their batters been a bit more patient and not hurried, then 150 would have been a winning total. But South Africa used their experienced players very well. Miller the killer, bringing all his experience along with Markram was fantastic. Lungi Ngidi did wonders; not much pace but he got wickets with short balls and seam as well,” Akhtar added.
Pakistan’s chances are very limited: Shoaib Akhtar
Akhtar, also known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ stated that Pakistan is now in a difficult situation because its fate in the competition is still dependent on others. He criticised India’s batting but stated that Rohit Sharma and company have easier games ahead of them than Pakistan, who have yet to face the table-toppers, South Africa.
“But from now onwards, Pakistan’s chances are very limited. I said earlier that South Africa is out there to beat India and Pakistan at the same time. But I was wishing that somehow India come out victorious and we get a chance. But ab to ye lag raha hai South Africa humein bhi phenti lagane ko tayyar hoga (But now it seems that South Africa is ready to thrash us as well).
“India were exposed against the South African fast bowling but they aren’t out of the contest because they have some easy games to come. But Pakistan is yet to face South Africa which looks impossible. Let’s see what happens. But I’m still backing my team and I wish they come out of the situation,” Akhtar concluded.
