Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the round-robin stage of the ODI World Cup 2023 has led to their elimination from the tournament. The team, led by Babar Azam, managed to secure only four wins out of nine matches, resulting in a disappointing campaign. This lackluster performance has drawn criticism from several former cricketers, including former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.
Shoaib Malik expressed his dissatisfaction with the team management and the cricket board, blaming them for not having a larger pool of players like their Indian counterparts. He praised Team India for their preparedness, even in the face of crucial injuries, emphasizing the importance of having a strong backup plan. Malik criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for constantly going through a rebuilding process but failing to stick to their own decisions.
“In this World Cup, India was well-prepared in all aspects, not just in bowling, batting, and fielding. They even had a plan B despite facing injuries. Moving forward, having a pool of players is going to be most important,” Malik stated in an interview with A Sports.
He emphasized the need for equal opportunities for players in all formats, ensuring that they are ready when the opportunity arises. Malik urged his team to learn from India’s consistency and commitment to their decisions.
England dealt a final blow to Pakistan’s lackluster World Cup campaign, defeating them by 93 runs in Kolkata. England posted a competitive total of 337 for nine in their last game of the tournament. Pakistan struggled in their chase, managing only 244 runs in 43.3 overs. Agha Salman was the only Pakistani batsman to reach a half-century.
England’s David Willey played his last game in England colors and made an impact by grabbing two early wickets, putting Pakistan on the backfoot from the start. Despite a 53-run partnership for the last wicket between Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr, Pakistan’s defeat was inevitable.
Batting first, England’s Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan set a solid foundation with an 82-run opening partnership. Ben Stokes then stole the show with a brilliant knock of 84 runs off just 76 balls. Joe Root also contributed with a well-compiled 60 runs. The Stokes-Root partnership of 132 runs propelled England to a commanding total.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf took three wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim took two each.
With this defeat, Pakistan’s World Cup journey comes to an end, and they will be returning home. The team’s poor performance has raised questions about their preparation and consistency.
