Cricket

T20 World Cup 2022: India openers looked under pressure, says Shoaib Akhtar after Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s poor run

Former Pakistan gun fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul looked under pressure when they came out to bat to chase down 160 against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 at the MCG on Sunday.

Both the openers didn’t play a single aggressive shot and took a defensive approach. KL Rahul, who has been in decent form in the recent past, played the ball back onto the stumps against Naseem Shah. Subsequently, Rohit Sharma was dismissed by Haris Rauf as Iftikhar Ahmed took a fine catch at the first slip.

In fact, India had recently adopted an aggressive approach but it was put on the back burner by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.

“India openers looked under pressure. Rohit Sharma as a captain should calm himself down and KL Rahul is throwing his wicket by focusing too much on himself,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

Akhtar claimed it was one of the best matches in the history of the game. The former ace paceman feels Pakistan could have scored more than what they eventually managed.

“It was one of the best matches in the history of the game. The wicket was very bad, and it was difficult to understand the ball. But Pakistan achieved 160 on it. Pakistan could have achieved more but unfortunately, our lower middle order couldn’t play maturely.

Rawalpindi Express, as he was known during his heydays, added that Pakistan played well and they will keep getting better despite the loss.

“Pakistan accepts this defeat with grace and come back with a strategy and resources and a better game plan. You don’t have to fall from here, you have played wonderfully,” Akhtar said.

Pakistan will be disappointed as they had the match in their grasp but they could not close it out.

Pakistan will next face Zimbabwe on Thursday at the Perth Stadium, Perth.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024