Last Update on: November 11th, 2023 at 01:48 pm
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik acknowledged the Afghanistan team’s impressive performances in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Shoaib Malik emphasized that Afghanistan had demonstrated superior cricket skills in the World Cup compared to Pakistan.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan won four matches each in the league stage during the marquee tournament. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team concluded their World Cup campaign, while the Babar Azam-led team still has a mathematical chance of reaching the semifinals.
In this current World Cup, Afghanistan exceeded expectations by triumphing over three previous World Cup champions, such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England. They had only secured one victory in the last two editions of the ODI World Cup in the 50-over format.
Afghanistan Have Played Better Cricket – Shoaib Malik
Speaking to A Sports, Shoaib Malik stated that Afghanistan showcased better cricket performance compared to Pakistan in the ongoing tournament.
“Afghanistan played better cricket than us. In my opinion, if we are just sticking with this World Cup then yes Afghanistan have played better cricket than us,” said Shoaib Malik.
The Afghanistan cricket team had an opportunity to reach the semifinals for the first time if they had won against Australia and South Africa. They lost to the Pat Cummins-led team despite having the upper hand for most of the match.
Maybe, Our Boys Looked Fatigued – Wasim Akram
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram agrees with Malik’s statement, hinting that the Pakistan team might have faced fatigue due to their continuous cricket schedule. Akram emphasized that Afghanistan seemed stronger, delivering a superior performance than Pakistan.
“Afghans looked stronger. Maybe, our boys looked fatigued because they were playing cricket continuously. Afghanistan cricketers looked better than Pakistan, there is no doubt,” said Wasim Akram.
The Babar Azam-led team will take on defending champion England in their final league stage match at the Eden Garden in Kolkata on Saturday, November 11. The Men in Green must beat the Jos Buttler-led team by 287 runs to secure a semi-final berth in the World Cup.
Also read: “Problems Will Arise” – Shoaib Malik Urges PCB To Ensure Champions Trophy 2025 Is Held In Pakistan
