India secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, leaving their arch-rivals reeling from a second consecutive defeat.
Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s management. He labelled their strategy as “brainless and clueless,” particularly questioning the selection of an all-rounder-heavy side.
In a passionate social media post, Akhtar expressed his frustration, stating, “I am not disappointed at all (by the defeat to India) because I knew what would happen. You can’t select five bowlers, the whole world is playing six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed.”
Pakistan don’t have skillsets like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman: Akhtar
“We can’t blame the kids (Pakistan players); The players are just as the team management is! They don’t know what to do. The intent is a different thing, they don’t have the skillsets like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they know anything, nor the management. They have just gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do,” Akhtar added.
Virat Kohli continued to showcase his brilliance, reaching 14,000 ODI runs and securing his 51st ODI century. India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s total of 241, with key contributions from Shreyas Iyer (56). Pakistan’s batting was spearheaded by Saud Shakeel (62), but they faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav (3-40) and Hardik Pandya (2-31) dismantling their lineup.