‘They have a chance’: Wasim Akram lauds Pakistan as they knock Bangladesh out to keep semi-final hopes alive in 2023 ODI World Cup | Cricket News
Will Pakistan qualify for the smei-finals of 2023 ODI World Cup? (Photo: AP)
New Delhi: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was elated after Babar Azam & Co. thrashed Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup on Tuesday to keep their semi-final hopes alive. It was a must-win game for Pakistan, who headed into the clash after losing four matches in a row. Pakistan delivered a clinical performance to emerge on top at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as they brought an end to their losing streak.
Akram was all praise for Pakistan after their victory and lauded them for making a good comeback after losing four matches in a row. He also expressed optimism about Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals despite the team having just two matches left in the tournament. Pakistan will have to win both their remaining games to have an outside chance of finishing in the top four.
“We always knew Pakistan had the talent in their squad. I agree that they didn’t start the World Cup well but they have made a good comeback. They have a chance, they have to win their games and see. That (semi-final) is not in their hands,” Akram said on Pakistani channel A Sports.
Also Read: 2023 ODI World Cup updated points table: Pakistan remain alive in race for semi-finals
Pakistan were on the money right from the word go in the all-important clash against Bangladesh as Shaheen Shah Afridi provided them a strong start with the ball after they were asked to field first. Afridi dismissed Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan (0) and no.3 Nazmul Hossain Shanto (3) cheaply to leave the Tigers reeling on 6/2.
Bangladesh did manage to recover with the help of crucial knocks from Litton Das (45) and Mahmudullah (56), Afridi returned to dismiss Mahmudullah in his second spell. He finished with excellent figures of 3/23 in his 9 overs and was brilliantly supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who ran through Bangladesh’s tail to finish with 3/31 in 8.1 overs.
Fastest to 100 ODI wickets a big deal: Akram
Afridi also became the fastest bowler to complete 100 wickets in ODIs in terms of matches taken. Afridi achieved the feat in just 51 matches to surpass Mitchell Starc, who reached the tally in 52 matches. Akram heaped praise on Afridi for his bowling and his remarkable feat, calling it a big deal.
“Overall it was a complete performance by the Pakistan team. Congratulations to Shaheen Shah Afridi for being the fastest in history to get 100 wickets in ODIs. That’s a big deal well done,” said Akram.
Also Read: It’s not over for Pakistan yet, says skipper Babar Azam after Bangladesh rout
“Wasim bowled well, in the last game I said he looked apart and that he had arrived. Today he showed, he bowled with pace and at good lengths. Haris bowled well and spinners – Iftikhar bowled well and gave away only 44 runs. The fielding was good. Everything looked really in control which is a good sign for Pakistan cricket,” he added.
Pakistan will be in a do-or-die situation when they lock horns with 2019 finalists New Zealand in their penultimate league game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 04. The game will be a crucial one for both teams as the tournament heads towards its business end.
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