Pakistan Making The Same Mistake Since Partition: Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan has been made the mistake that they have been repeating since partition, feels former tearaway fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar after Azhar Ali-led unit squandered the advantage that they had gained to eventually lose the Test match in Manchester.

Akhtar is obviously alluding to the dismal batting performance of the Pakistan team in the second innings. After having taken a 107-run head start, the visitors failed to bat England out of the game, capitulating to 169 all-out in a mere 46.4 overs.

“Pakistan got an opportunity to put a big score but they made the same mistake that they have been doing since partition. That the batting lets us down. We needed partnerships, stroke-making only when you get loose balls. It was a great chance for Pakistan to put 350-400 runs on the board,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his Youtube channel.

“But again, none of Pakistan’s star batsmen could score runs. If you have to become a big player and earn a name, these are the situations. If you are not able to capitalize on a 107-run lead, however big a batsman you may be, you are of no use.” he added.

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‘You cannot create a name like this’- Shoaib Akhtar on Babar Azam after Pakistan’s appalling second-innings performance

While acknowledging the fact that Shan Masood, who scored a brilliant 156 in the first innings, was a bit lucky in the second innings when he was caught down the leg-side, Akhtar challenged start batsman Babar Azam to prove himself that he is a match-winner by scoring in such situations.

Azam scored a sumptuous 69 in the first innings but he failed to contribute in the second innings, managing a 20-ball 5. He also pointed out that it was Asad Shafiq’s fault that he ended up getting run-out.

“Shan Masood was unlucky but he had already played his part. Asad Shafiq got run out, it is again his fault. But Babar Azam has to come out with something good, because you cannot create a name like this. You might be a good player, but you have to establish yourself as a match-winner. If lead had not been there, then we were dismissed for just 150-175. You have to think what you have to do as a batsman, this is really disappointing.” Akhtar added.

Pakistan has now lost seven overseas Tests in a row, a trend they would like to address in the second Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, starting August 13.

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