Eating 8 kg Mutton Every Day: Pakistan’s Legendary Pacer SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan’s Fitness after World Cup Loss to Afghanistan
Afghanistan secured a historic victory by defeating Pakistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 by eight wickets. This is their first victory against Pakistan in ODIs and they made the win memorable with a victory lap after the match ended.
Afghanistan’s dangerous openers let fly at the start of the chase, scoring 60 runs without loss in the opening powerplay to give the side the start they needed before spin could really play a part.
Afghanistan’s win over England was special but this really is even better, knocking off their biggest rival for the first time. They’ve done it with an over to spare by eight wickets – a clinical chase, brilliantly set it up. Scenes!
49 overs: Afghanistan 286-2 (Rahmat 77, Hashmat 48) Target 283.
Eating 8 kg Mutton Every Day: Pakistan’s Legendary Pacer SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan’s Fitness after World Cup Loss to Afghanistan
After the shocking defeat to Afghanistan, which is their third on the trot, Pakistan are staring at early elimination from the ten-team tournament. Hence, many former Pakistani cricketers have slammed the current lot for their ordinary bowling, fitness standards and not being as aggressive as other teams with the bat at the start.
Wasim Akram, Pakistan’s legendary former pacer, ripped into Babar Azam & Co. for their fitness levels after the Afghanistan defeat. Soon after the loss, he told A Sports, “It’s embarrassing. Just 2 wickets, 280-290 is a big score. The pitch is wet or not wet. Fielding was… you look at the fitness levels. We have been discussing on this show that there has been no fitness test for the last 2 years. If I take the players’ individual names, they won’t like it. It looks like they are eating 8 kg of mutton every day.”
Akram pointed out, “There should be tests. Professionally, you are playing for your country, you are being paid. I am with Misbah. When he was coach, he had that criteria, players hated him. But, it worked for the team. Fielding is all about fitness, and it shows on the field.”
He further added, “Now we have come to a stage, where we will pray, do ifs and buts, wait for other teams to lose, then we can reach the semi-finals.”
Pakistan remain in the fifth spot (with four points) after the loss to Afghanistan. They have to win all their remaining four games — against South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England — to progress ahead.
(With inputs from agencies)