Shahid Afridi critical of Pakistan after heavy loss to India in Asia Cup: Not showing intent to win is just poor

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi was disappointed with the Pakistan team after the heavy 228-run defeat to Rohit Sharma’s India in the Asia Cup Super Four match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday, September 11.

Asia Cup 2023 points table

After being asked to chase down a mammoth target of 357, Pakistan’s innings at 138 for eight in 32 overs. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf did not come out of bat due to the injuries that have also made them doubtful for the rest of the tournament.

Afridi said that India outplayed Pakistan in all the departments. He also congratulated Virat Kohli for completing 13000 runs in ODIs and had words of praise for KL Rahul.

Afridi, however, sent out words of motivation, asking Pakistan to make a strong comeback in their last and final Super Four match against Sri Lanka.

Afridi wrote, “Winning/losing is part of competing, but not putting up a fight, not showing intent to win is just poor. Exactly what I was referring to in my previous tweet. India played as #1 on the field, batting & bowling. Congrats @imVkohlion on achieving another dream milestone of ODI runs and well-crafted by you and KL Rahul Chin up boys, you can do better than this, next match.”

After the match, Babar also lauded Rahul and Kohli for their batsmanship. The Pakistan skipper admitted that lack of partnerships and losing wickets at regular intervals cost them the match.

“They had a plan for our bowlers. And then KL and Virat followed up and finished very well,” Babar was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Jasprit and Siraj bowled very well in first ten overs swinging both ways. Yes we lost back to back wickets, couldn’t build partnerships,” he added.

Pakistan are currently placed third in the table in the Super Fours with two points and a net run rate of -1.892.