Pakistan are almost out of the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final race after New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in a record time. The Men in Green were backing Sri Lanka to stun the Kiwis and also praying for the rain, but everything went differently.
Former captain Wasim Akram, who has been in the news for his blunt responses in the ongoing global event, jokingly said that Babar Azam’s team can still qualify for the semis if they lock the England team in the dressing room.
“Pakistan should bat first against England and post runs, then lock the England team in the dressing room and get them timed out,” he said on A Sports.
The sub-continent nation has themselves to blame as they surrendered the advantage after winning two games on the trot. After facing a humiliating defeat against India, they couldn’t recover, and the shocking thumping by Afghanistan sealed their fate.
The batting and bowling units have been largely disappointing, with captain Babar failing on all counts. The pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were off-color in important matches, while spinners never turned up for the team.
Pakistan will play for pride against the Jos Buttler-led team. On the other hand, England will be eyeing a win as they are looking to consolidate their place in the points table to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
According to the new rules introduced by the International Cricket Council, the top seven teams in the World Cup points table will make it to the prestigious event with host nation Pakistan.