PAK vs AFG: Matthew Hayden Blames Pakistan's Sloppy Fielding For Their Loss Against Afghanistan In World Cup 2023
Published - 24 Oct 2023, 02:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:21 AM
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden believes that Pakistan’s sloppy fielding cost them the match against Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023. Matthew Hayden noted that fielding blunders allowed Afghanistan to successfully chase down a substantial total.
Pakistan’s fielding performance was subpar during their 8-wicket loss to Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23. The Babar Azam-led team suffered their third consecutive defeat in the tournament, denting their semi-final chances.
Pakistan’s fielding performance was marred by errors, overthrows, and a lack of backing by fielders. Their poor fielding efforts contributed to the Pakistan team’s downfall as they allowed extra runs for the Afghan batters, particularly in the outfield and boundary fielding.
fielding Errors Gave Afghanistan An Advantage – Matthew Hayden
In a conversation with Star Sports, when asked about the turning point in the Pakistan-Afghanistan match, Matthew Hayden mentioned that fielding mistakes had given Afghanistan a significant advantage in their chase of a competitive total.
“My turning point when it comes to Pakistan and Afghanistan was their efforts in the field. Moments like, for example, when Babar Azam just coasted past the ball. It barely trickled past his hands. Hasan Ali ran past, not quite getting both hands to the ball. A bit the same with Shaheen Shah Afridi, overriding the balls.”
“These fielding errors gave Afghanistan such an advantage in this match, as they chased down a very decent total. It was probably even 30 runs above par due to their sloppy fielding. I sense that was a turning point in this match,” Matthew Hayden told Star Sports.
Earlier, the Pakistan team put up a total of 282 on a challenging track after opting to bat first. Babar Azam (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) scored half-centuries against the Afghanistan spinners. Iftikhar Ahmed (40) and Shadab Khan (40) scored quick runs in the death overs.
Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) gave a good start in the run chase, adding a crucial 130-run partnership. Rahmat Shah (77) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (48) ensured Afghanistan’s historic victory by guiding them to the finish line.
Tagged:
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Matthew Hayden Pakistan National Cricket Team
