Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has strongly criticised Pakistan’s batting unit after their humiliating defeat in the third ODI against West Indies. The Caribbean side won their first series over Pakistan since 1991.
In the deciding match at Tarouba, West Indies scored 294/6 with captain Shai Hope making an unbeaten century (120* off 94). Pakistan collapsed to 92 all out while chasing, losing by 202 runs. Jayden Seales was the star bowler with 6/18. Three of Pakistan’s top four batters got ducks, including captain Mohammad Rizwan, who was dismissed for a golden duck by Jayden Seales. Babar Azam made only nine runs.
Speaking on the ‘Game On Hai’ show, Akhtar criticised the team for lacking spirit. “We used to have expressive and explosive talent, and we played like that. We were never dependent on one individual — everyone chipped in,” he said, as quoted by The Times of India.
He added, “No one used to look for escape routes. The environment has changed, and in the last 10–15 years, everyone has started playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for their averages. The intent should be to win matches for your country.”
Akhtar urged Pakistan to change their approach. “We need to change the intent, the mindset, and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?”
He also pointed out technical issues of the batters whenever the ball starts to move a bit. “Halka sa seam hota hai tohmusibat pad jaati hai. Rawalpindi pitch lekar nahi ghoomsakte (The ball moves a bit and they are in trouble. You can’tcarry Pindi pitches everywhere.)”
Pakistan will now face Afghanistan and UAE in a tri-series starting on August 29. West Indies will meet Nepal in a T20I series before touring India in October for a Test series.
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