In the 5th match of the series, New Zealand beat Pakistan by six wickets to level the five-match T20I series by 2-2. Riding on Mark Chapman’s unbeaten century, Kiwis beat Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Earlier, after getting thrashed in the first two games, New Zealand made an amazing comeback to level the series against Babar Azam and company.
However, after Pakistan’s defeat, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal slammed Babar Azam for his poor captaincy. He said that Azam doesn’t even know how to make bowling changes. Notably, Pakistan had a golden chance to win the T20I series against New Zealand after taking an early 2-0 lead. However, they were unable to finish the series on a high note, as the inexperienced Kiwi squad beat them in the final two games, drawing the series 2-2, with the fourth game being washed out due to rain.
In the last game Despite gaining early wickets, Babar Azam failed to rotate his bowlers and put pressure on the opposition as Pakistan suffered yet another humiliating series at home. Speaking on the same Akmal said, “Speaking of their mistakes, they deflect and accuse us of criticism. But our focus is on their captaincy, not their performance. We’re not blind to their abilities. He still doesn’t know how to do captaincy after four years – he doesn’t even know which bowler to give the ball to at what time.”
“We didn’t control our errors”, Kamran Akmal lashed out at Pakistan
Kamran Akmal went on to criticise Babar Azam’s bad tactics. He admitted that he should have brought in Iftikhar Ahmed when two left-handers were batting. He also criticised Shadab Khan’s performances. Kamran further said, “It’s no surprise that they lost when they continued to make the same mistakes. We didn’t control our errors, and that’s why they emerged victorious. If both the left-handed batsmen were on the crease, the logical choice would have been to give the ball to Iftikhar Ahmed.”
“But instead, we saw the leg-spinner Shadab Khan being given the over and being continuously smashed by the New Zealand batters. It would have been wise to rest him and bring in another all-rounder to give the team a chance to regain their footing”, he further added. Following the thrilling conclusion of the T20I series, Pakistan and New Zealand will now square off in a five-match ODI series beginning on April 27th.
Here is how fans react to Kamran Akmal’s comments:
Captaincy don't know still after 4 Years how to do Babar Azam – Umar Akmal
— ????????? (@VKohliEmpire) April 26, 2023
I agree with him. Zimbabar is useless. Imagine a captain not able to win at home with z teams. Embarrassing fir Pakistan cricket
— Jatin Goswami (@Jatingoswmi) April 26, 2023
He ain't wrong but he shouldn't criticize Babar, as Babar has helped Pakistan to become strong contender in world cricket as he was also dropping crucial catches, this criticizism is unfair!
— Mursaleen wafai (@MursaleenWafai) April 26, 2023
Include my brother in the team or I will start propaganda…
— Wajid Rasul (@WajidQAU) April 26, 2023
Ya pagl ha isko bss bhonkna ata ha …itne jealousy khud to Sara time team mai grouping krny mai zaya kiya or aj babar ko itna kamyab dekh k pagl hu gya ha ya…wajh harny ki bowling thi kesi ek ny b usky bary mai ni bola yaha sy pta chlta k ya sab janky babar k peechy pary
— Sehrish (@Sehrish91024350) April 26, 2023
Says a wicketkeeper who doesn't know how to catch the ball ??
— Idrees Chaudhary (@IdreesChaudhry_) April 26, 2023
Jin sa APNA career tk handle NAHI hua wo abh ya Kya keh rahay hai ?
— Hani khan ????? (@HaniKha73930485) April 26, 2023
Pak lost tournaments because of khatmal's keeping.
— Uzair Ahmed (@BalochUzair3) April 26, 2023
He just want Umar akmal in pak team which is not going to happen so I'd say he is going to be another version of shoaib jatt from now
— Saad Khan (@Saadkhankhan199) April 26, 2023
