14 October 2023 was a date for which all the cricket fanatics were waiting crazily. Why? Well, it was the day when India encountered its arch-rival Pakistan for their World Cup match. Fans were eager for a nail-biting showdown between the two teams. However, moments after Pakistan lost its third wicket the match became a one-sided one. Roasting, the Pakistan bowling which is helmed highly, Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the men in Blue issued a statement.
Pakistan captain Babar Aazam proudly praised his bowling unit, however, they remain unable to prove so in WC 2023
On 5th October 2023, a pre-World Cup event known as Captain’s Day at Narendra Modi Stadium took place. During this event, Ravi Shastri asked the Pakistani captain Babar Aazam about his team’s strengths. Replying to Shastri, Babar spoke very highly of his bowling unit.
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However, contrary to Babar’s optimistic portrayal, his bowlers have been struggling in the ongoing 2023 WC. The subpar performance of the Pakistani bowling unit is evident considering the Sri Lankan batters had little difficulty amassing nearly 350 runs against them. In fact, during the campaign opener on October 6, a couple of Dutch batters managed to score more than fifty runs in a match Babar Azam’s team. The reason behind this perhaps could be that it is their first time tour in India. However, only time can tell what may happen next.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri roasted Pakistan’s bowling
The clash between India and Pakistan was a greatly awaited event. It drew the presence of distinguished personalities, ranging from Anushka Sharma to Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sukhwinder Singh. These notable figures checked into the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to witness the high-stakes ICC ODI World Cup match between the two cricketing giants.
However, following the fall of Pakistan’s third wicket, the team quickly began losing their remaining wickets in great rapidity. The team was bowled out for 191. Furthermore, talking about their bowling, Pakistan could pick up just 3 wickets while defending this total. Rohit Sharma, who has often been under scrutiny for his struggles against Shaheen Shah Afridi, effectively managed the challenge posed by the left-arm pacer. Although Afridi did dismiss the Indian captain, it came too late to impact the outcome of the game.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri did not waste much time and made some savage remarks on the Pakistan bowling, especially Shaheen Afridi. The 61-year-old former said on air as we quote,
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“People tell me that Pakistan have a resounding bowling attack. Nakli baat hai ye sab (It’s not true at all). It’s not good and you have to accept that. You don’t have Naseem Shah at the moment, neither you got a quality spin attack.”
He further added,
“Shaheen Shah Afridi koi Wasim Akram nahi hai (Shaheen Shah Afridi is no Wasim Akram). I agree that he bowls with the new ball and picks up wickets but no need to give him that kind of hype. Something which is ok, you have to call it ok. No need to give them too much importance because this attack is not the best one.”
Currently, team India is leading the points table with 3 on 3 wins and a NRR of +1.821. It would be a huge thing if Rohit Sharma is successful in winning the cup. One can only hope for the best!
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