Asia Cup 2022: Wasim Akram, Sanjay Manjrekar Criticise Mohammad Rizwan's T20 Batting Approach

Legendary Pakistan National Cricket Team player Wasim Akram and former India National Cricket Team player Sanjay Manjrekar have criticised the batting approach of the star Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan in T20 cricket.

On Sunday, September 11, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan lost the Asia Cup 2022 final by 23 runs against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. The batting unit of Team Pakistan faced heavy criticism after the defeat as the required run rate kept on rising during the run-chase and the batters were not playing the attacking brand of cricket.

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Talking about the No.1 ranked batter in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, Mohammad Rizwan, he scored 55 runs off 49 balls before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 17th over of the innings.

Speaking on Star Sports, as quoted by Hindustan Times, Akram said:

“At the beginning of the tournament, I had said that the openers won’t mess up but struggle in games like these. That’s exactly what happened today.”

Sanjay Manjrekar, during the same discussion, said that the ‘anchoring’ in T20 cricket is overrated. He added that Rizwan batting at a strike rate of 104 in the 16th over is a poor approach in T20 cricket.

“I’m very sceptical about ‘anchoring’ in T20 cricket. It’s overrated because you have got 10 wickets and 20 overs. I like India’s new template and Sri Lanka also didn’t have anybody who played the role of an anchor.

“It’s unfair to pick one guy but he (Rizwan) is a glaring example of Pakistan’s approach. You can’t have Rizwan batting at a strike rate of 104 in the 16th over when you are chasing 171,” said Sanjay Manjrekar in response.

I criticised him, which was healthy criticism. And people attacked me on social media – Wasim Akram

Akram further said that he had criticised Rizwan for his slow batting approach in the game against Hong Kong and he got attacked on social media for giving his opinion.

“He (Rizwan) had done the same thing against Hong Kong if you remember. I criticised him, which was healthy criticism. And people attacked me on social media. Pakistan people said that I don’t support Rizwan.

“If you want my opinion, I will give you the right and straightforward opinion. I am not the guy who will lie about what I see. Black is black and white is white for me,” said Akram.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: We Made Many Mistakes In This Match But We Are Also Humans – Mohammad Rizwan After The Loss Against Sri Lanka

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