Former Pakistani cricketer Sikandar Bakht expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s poor performance during the series underway, citing concerns among seniors and juniors. His comments generated a debate on the selection of the Pakistan team and the playing conditions of the individual players.
Bakht lambasted young batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub as a burden on the team. The latter duo were dismissed within the first seven overs and could only manage to score 12 and 1 run, respectively, leaving Pakistan struggling at 24-2.
Further criticizing, Bakht questioned the leadership of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, stating that they hardly anchor the team at crucial times. “Babar and Rizwan are our most experienced players, yet they don’t act as pillars during difficult times,” Bakht said. He also criticized the dropping of Fakhar Zaman, whom he termed Pakistan’s “only true match-winner in ODIs.”
Pakistan could only score 203 against Australia in the first ODI, with Mohammad Rizwan scoring the most at 44 off 71 deliveries. Naseem Shah provided stability towards the end with 40 off 39 balls, but Australia chased down the target very easily, winning with two wickets in 33.3 overs owing to the consistent batting of Pat Cummins.
Bakht appreciated the cheeky but at the same time resilient young fast bowler Naseem Shah while at the same time criticizing Pakistan for not being able to keep their act of fielding and discipline. The team was guilty of giving away 21 extras, out of which 17 were wides that went crucially unused.
The series so far is in favor of Australia 1-0, and the teams have planned the second ODI on November 8 in Adelaide. Thereafter, the two teams will play out a three-match T20I series from November 14. For Pakistan, much would be expected to pull level and bring the equation back into a fruitful contest.
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