Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 were marked by a 3-0 series triumph over Afghanistan, yet concerns loomed over their batting performance. In the third ODI match, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam orchestrated a steady innings, driving Pakistan’s total to 268 runs. However, the team grappled with the loss of wickets at regular intervals, impeding their progress beyond the crucial 300-run mark.
Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal voiced apprehensions about this aspect, expressing reservations about Pakistan’s ability to contend with formidable opponents like India. In a recent interaction, Akmal emphasized the urgency for Pakistan’s batsmen to adopt a positive and responsible approach when confronting strong adversaries.
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Akmal underscored the modern-day cricket trend, wherein each batsman is expected to exhibit an aggressive mindset. Akmal’s commentary revolved around Pakistan’s inability to amass 300 runs against Afghanistan, raising concerns about their performance against more potent teams.
Kamran Akmal addressed the matter on his official YouTube channel, stating, “If we can’t score 300 against this team, can we do that when we face India in the Asia Cup? It becomes pretty difficult. The batters should’ve shown more responsibility.”
He acknowledged Pakistan’s achievement of scoring 300 runs in the second game of the series but expressed dismay that it was the lower-order batsmen who ultimately concluded the chase. Kamran Akmal underscored the significance of the top-order’s role in driving matches to successful conclusions, deeming the reliance on the lower order as a concerning sign for the team.
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During the decisive match, Pakistan managed to post a total of 268-8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan contributing a resilient 67 off 79 balls and skipper Babar Azam adding 60 off 86 balls. The team then proceeded to restrict Afghanistan to 209 runs in 48.4 overs, securing victory. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, batting at number nine, demonstrated noteworthy resilience with a brisk 64 off 37 balls, marking his maiden half-century.
As Pakistan evaluates their performance in the lead-up to the Asia Cup, addressing batting challenges and strengthening the top-order’s contributions will be crucial to their campaign against stronger contenders.
