Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has emphasised the need for camaraderie amongst players following the national team’s 84-run thrashing in the second ODI against New Zealand at the Seddon Park on Wednesday.
After putting New Zealand into bat, Pakistan’s bowling unit did well to restrict the home side to 292/8 in 50 overs despite wicketkeeper batter Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99-run knock.
In response, Pakistan’s batting unit crashed to 45 for 5 and eventually were dismissed for 208 in 41.2 overs despite valiant half-centuries from Faheem and Naseem Shah.
New Zealand thus secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with one match to spare.
Reflecting on the defeat at the post-match presentation, the all-rounder advised that the players should back each other instead of taking aside after their individual performances, emphasising that the camaraderie would help green shirts break the losing streak.
“Look, each and every one of us is trying to make the team win. In my opinion, when you focus only on your personal game, or if I come in, do my part, and step aside, that’s not how it works,” said Faheem.
“As a team, we need to back each other rather than just focusing on individual performances and then stepping aside,” he added.
Faheem then claimed that the team would definitely get back on winning track, highlighting the players’ determination.
“As long as you are playing cricket, it is not difficult to win. Everyone is trying to go with the same mindset. It has also happened in the past. So, I say that is not that difficult, if you keep playing good cricket then you will definitely win.”
Kamran Akmal blasts PCB for team’s pathetic show in NZ
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to step down from his position if he is unable to improve the state of the men’s national team. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal expressed his frustration over the team’s recent performances and did not hold back in criticizing the PCB chairman.
“It is shameful. The PCB chairman should consider that if he can’t control things, he should resign and step down. Don’t ruin your reputation. If you don’t want to do that, then improve the status of the current team,” Akmal said. The former cricketer also addressed the team’s bowling issues, criticizing the lack of discipline among Pakistan’s bowlers.
He called for a significant overhaul of the bowling department, suggesting that fresh faces be brought in to bring about the necessary change. “If Pakistan’s bowlers can’t perform on such a turf, where will they deliver? In Asia, they say there is nothing for bowlers. On venues where there is something on offer, they don’t do anything. Should they play disabled players against us? We don’t know where to bowl. It means there should be a change,” he said.
He also highlighted the batting department’s shortcomings, pointing out that Pakistan’s batters have no clear strategy.
“Faheem Ashraf saved us, but we don’t need runs from Naseem Shah; we need wickets from him. When Babar Azam got out, the batting lineup was exposed. I didn’t see anyone regret the result, except the coach. You’re destroying Pakistan’s cricket,” he concluded.
Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing New Zealand tour has drawn harsh criticism, with the Men in Green winning just one out of seven matches.
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