At the Asia Cup 2023, a heartbreaking turn of events saw Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan in a simulated semi-final match, shattering Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the championship game. Charith Asalanka led Sri Lanka to a successful conclusion on the last delivery by exhibiting steely nerves in crucial situations.m Former Pakistani speed demon Shoaib Akhtar expressed his regret for missing the chance to watch a historic India-Pakistan final match in the Asia Cup. Akhtar couldn’t help but express his respect for the young Pakistani bowler Zaman Khan, who was added to the team as a result of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah’s injuries.
“You watched the game. Pakistan is no longer in the competition. Zaman Khan handled every aspect of the contest that Pakistan won. He was the sole reason Pakistan had any hope of winning the game. Although Shaheen Afridi also claimed a few wickets, Zaman deserves the praise. On his YouTube account, Akhtar congratulated the bowler for “bowling really well.”
The Rawalpindi Express openly said that Sri Lanka outperformed Pakistan on the crucial day even though he thought Pakistan deserved to play in the Asia Cup final.
Pakistan should have advanced to the Asia Cup final but was eliminated. They are subject to a lot of criticism because they were considered the “favourites” yet are no longer in the competition. Unfortunately, since Pakistan and India have never played each other in the championship game, it cannot happen. Though Sri Lanka deserved to get to the finals, this was the opportunity. He believed that they were by far the superior team.
Embarrassing loss. Really disappointed .
Wake up call guys!!! pic.twitter.com/qDtQWM7YJJ— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 14, 2023
Shoaib Akhtar Pakistan’s defeat, Shoaib Akhtar expresses his displeasure, saying, “The captaincy needs to sharpen a bit.”
After the humiliating defeat, a dejected former Pakistan bowler referred to it as “embarrassing” and urged Babar Azam’s team to tighten their laces and gear up fiercely for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is set to begin next month.
Having said that, this defeat is really embarrassing. It doesn’t look good that Pakistan was eliminated from the competition. Pakistan has several things on their minds. The captaincy may use some improvement. I’m incredibly disappointed. Can’t say any more,” he said.