Veteran all-rounder questions Pakistan captain and senior batsman’s approach during India clash
Shoaib Malik, the experienced Pakistan all-rounder, has criticized the role of captain Babar Azam and senior batsman Mohammad Rizwan during their narrow six-run defeat against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Despite restricting the opposition to a below par total of 119, Pakistan struggled in their chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals. With just 40 runs needed off the final 35 balls and six wickets in hand, the dismissal of Rizwan triggered a middle order collapse that cost them the match.
Malik, who has led Pakistan in the past, questioned Babar continuing as captaincy. According to him, the pressure of additional responsibilities impacts Babar’s batting and removing himself from captaincy will allow him to play with more freedom.
The veteran all-rounder also slammed Rizwan’s shot selection when Pakistan were cruising in the chase. Bringing back their main bowler just after Rizwan’s dismissal highlighted the plan to grab a wicket, but the wicketkeeper-batsman failed to judge the situation properly.
With experience of leading domestic side PSL, Rizwan should have shown better awareness at that crucial juncture, felt Malik. He further expressed disappointment over continued backing of the core batting unit despite their repeated failure in closing out matches from favorable positions.
Pakistan will look to bounce back in their next game against Canada on Tuesday as they aim to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the tournament.
