IND vs PAK: Kamran Akmal Calls Out Babar Azam & Co. For "Blunder" At Toss

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to label the decision of the Babar Azam & Co. at the toss as a “blunder”.

Pakistan National Cricket Team won the toss and opted to bowl first in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against India. They made no changes to their playing XI and continued with Faheem Ashraf as an extra seam bowling option over spinner Mohammad Nawaz.

India, meanwhile, made two big changes to their playing XI as Jasprit Bumrah replaced Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul replaced Shreyas Iyer, who had suffered a back spasm.

Unlike the first Asia Cup 2023 match between the teams, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided India with a flying start. The Indian captain was cautious initially, but he accelerated after getting set and smashed the bowlers all over the park. Gill, meanwhile, was aggressive from the start and he gave a tough time to the premier pacer Shaheen Afridi.

Looking at Indian batters’ dominant start, Kamran Akmal took to X to slam Pakistan for the decision to bowl first in the match.

“Not Batting first after winning the toss in Colombo ….Is a BLUNDER,” Kamran Akmal wrote.

Not Batting first after winning toss in Colombo ….Is a BLUNDER ?‍♂️ #IndiavsPak #AsiaCup2023

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 10, 2023

I think there is a bit of moisture, we need to use that – Pakistan captain Babar Azam

Speaking at the toss, Babar Azam said that they had decided to bowl first because they wanted to use the moisture of the surface. He elaborated:

“We will bowl first. I think there is a bit of moisture, we need to use that. Always, India Pakistan is high intensity, but we will take it match to match. As a team, we are playing well, we are focused on this one. No changes.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma said that they got what they wanted as they were anyways looking to bat first in the match.

“Looking to bat first. There will be a challenge upfront, but the way we guys batted last time around gives us confidence. Every game is important for us, but one thing at a time to focus on,” Rohit Sharma said.