"Pakistan should play with Zimbabwe & Ireland" - Kamran Akmal explodes after Champions Trophy disaster

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal brutally slammed his country's cricket team for the embarrassing defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi. Kamran Akmal further advised Pakistan to play against smaller teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland.

Pakistan had high hopes when they took the field for their first ICC tournament on home soil in 29 years. However, their hopes were dashed by a high-skilled and professional New Zealand side.

After the loss, the Men in Green were criticized for their poor performance by the cricket experts and the country's former cricketers. Kamran Akmal wasn't pleased with this performance and didn't hold back from speaking his heart out.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 'Angry' Mohammad Rizwan drops Fakhar Zaman injury update after loss to NZ

Kamran Akmal slams Pakistan for its performance against NZ

While speaking to ARY News after Pakistan's loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener, Kamran Akmal took a brutal jibe at his country's team and asked them to play against Zimbabwe and Ireland instead of playing the bigger teams.

Kamran Akmal even predicted that Pakistan won't be able to win even a single game in the Champions Trophy and claimed that they would be lucky if they are able to register a single victory in the group stage.

"This Pakistan team should play with Zimbabwe & Ireland. This team will be lucky to win even one match in the Champions Trophy," Kamran said.

Kamran Akmal said "This Pakistan team should play with Zimbabwe & Ireland. This team will be lucky to win even one match in the Champions Trophy" 🇵🇰💔💔 #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/f2Nt9YVETl

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 20, 2025

Will Young, Tom Latham raise New Zealand

Pakistan were way below par against New Zealand as they conceded more than 300 runs after opting to bowl first. There was a moment in the game when Pakistan would have felt that they were ahead when New Zealand were reduced to 73-3 with their top batters back into the pavilion.

However, a solid partnership between the opener Will Young and Tom Latham followed which put New Zealand ahead. Young, who had come into the side in place of Rachin Ravindra, scored a well-deserved hundred. He was finally dismissed by Naseem Shah for 107 off 113 balls.

While he was dismissed, Tom Latham carried on his merry way and completed his 100 off just 95 balls. Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off just 104 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Glenn Phillips provided a late impetus with 61 off just 39 balls, striking 3 fours and 4 sixes on the way.

Pakistan's miserable chase

In reply, Pakistan never looked in control as New Zealand never allowed them to go ahead. Some controlled bowling from the Kiwis started to mount more pressure on the home team. The absence of Fakhar Zaman at the opening spot further put more pressure on the Men in Green.

They were reduced to 22-2 in 10 overs with the opener Saud Shakeel and the skipper Mohammad Rizwan back in the hut. Babar Azam stayed at one end but never found it easy as he was unable to break the shackles.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha tried to resurrect the innings with a quickfire knock but couldn't carry on to play a big knock. Babar was dismissed for 64 off 90 balls while Salman smashed 42 off just 28 balls. Both struck 6 fours and 1 six in their respective knocks.

Khushdil Shah tried his best with 69 off 49 balls down the order but that wasn't enough for his team. Pakistan lost the match by 60 runs in the end.