Former cricketers harshly criticised Mohammad Rizwan’s 49-ball 55 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final.
While providing analysis, Gautam Gambhir criticised Rizwan for his slow knock and questioned the batter’s batting strategy. Shoaib Akhter, a former Pakistani speedster, also had harsh words to say about Rizwan’s valiant knock.
“Rizwan, 50 off 50 is not going to work anymore. Doesn’t benefit Pakistan,” Akhtar wrote on Twitter.
As Sri Lanka continued to apply pressure by bowling cleanly in the middle overs, Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed (32) contributed 71 runs for the third wicket in just under 10 overs. By the time Rizwan was out in the 17th over, Pakistan had already lost the game. With six wickets in hand, they only needed 61 runs to take the final four wickets.
Saqlain Mushtaq, the head coach of Pakistan, backed Mohammad Rizwan’s batting strategy against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, nonetheless.
“Unki soch hai. Jo bahir log baithe hote hai na, wo bahir se cheezon ko dekhte hai aur uske upar baat kar dete hai
In six innings during the Asia Cup, Rizwan scored 281 runs for Pakistan, including three half-centuries. In T20Is, RIzwan is also the top batter.
“It’s not their mistake. They saw the result, and scorecard and made their comments. They have no idea about what is happening inside the dressing room, what the players feel about their confidence and the injuries they are carrying.
“I have worked as an expert for three years. So, I know how things worked. Once they work closely with the cricketers from inside only then they will get to know about the team bonding, the environment,” he added.