In an exclusive interaction with Zee News, former Pakistani cricketing legend Shoaib Akhtar expressed his candid views on Pakistan's stunning loss to Afghanistan in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Shoaib Akhtar, known for his fearless and straight-talking nature, did not hold back in his assessment.


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Also Read: How Does Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table Look After Afghanistan's Thumping Win Over Pakistan?


"Yes, it is Pakistan's most embarrassing defeat in this tournament," said Shoaib Akhtar, visibly disappointed. He continued, "But I was afraid about it, I have shared this with you earlier as well. Afghanistan's team was not a run-over side; they were at par with Pakistan. Perhaps they were the better team today as they won the match. I have run out of words to say about this game."


Strike Rate Disparity


Shoaib Akhtar then delved into the numbers, pinpointing the key difference between the two sides. He emphasized, "Look at the strike rate of their batsman Gurbaz. He was striking the ball at 120 on this wicket. Our entire team's strike rate was not 90 plus. What do these stats show you?"


Praise for Afghanistan's Management


Akhtar also gave credit to Afghanistan's team management. He mentioned the presence of Ajay Jadeja and Jonathan Trott in their dugout, calling them "great thinkers of the game." He further added, "This is not a fluke. Afghanistan was a better team than Pakistan, and they played like one today. Afghanistan totally deserves this win."

Historic Win

The scorecard for the Pakistan vs. Afghanistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match paints a vivid picture of the contest. In a thrilling encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Pakistan posted a total of 282-7 in their 50 overs. Key contributions came from Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan. In response, Afghanistan exhibited outstanding batting prowess, securing victory with 286-2 in 49 overs. Their top performers included Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmat Shah. The scorecard not only reflects the fluctuating fortunes of both teams but also the remarkable skill and determination displayed on the cricketing stage.
 



In what was a monumental upset, Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan has thrown the points table into disarray, raising questions about Pakistan's prospects in the tournament. Shoaib Akhtar's unvarnished analysis provides a sobering perspective on Pakistan's performance. The journey in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 promises more twists and turns, and cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly waiting to see how these teams fare in the upcoming matches.