Rain hampered Pakistan from scoring many runs against India in the Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo on Sunday, September 10, according to legendary Pakistani quick Shoaib Akhtar. Notably, the game was suspended because of the weather, and play will resume on Monday, a reserve day.
The former cricketer took issue with Babar Azam’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss. Babar’s choice, it should be noted, backfired as Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma put together a 121-run opening stand, giving the Indian team the greatest possible start to the match. At 56, the Indian captain was out, and shortly after scoring 58 runs, Gill was returned to the pavilion.
Shoaib Akhtar posted a video of himself on his X account making a subtle jab at Babar about the “wise decision” after traveling to Colombo to see the intense India-Pakistan game.
He was anticipating the match on reserve day and hoped Pakistan will perform well.
Observe the video:
Well. I don’t see this starting again. Colombo ki baarish is crazy pic.twitter.com/KiY8Mbzl77
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 10, 2023
“Well. I don’t see this happening once more. The 48-year-old captioned the photo, “Colombo ki baarish is wild.Hey everyone, this is Shoaib. The match is currently in progress, and the Indian and Pakistani fans are waiting. Finally, lekin barish ne bacha liya humein! Barish ne bacha lia, Pehle India phass gya tha humare aagey.
The India ke samne, Aaj hum phas gaye, shukr hai barish ne bach lia. (Fans from Pakistan and India are waiting with me to see the game. Rain saved both of us today and India yesterday (but not rain today!). In the video, Akhtar can be heard stating, “Hope match can finish off and we’ll be able to resume this time tomorrow. Also, by choosing wisely not to bowl first.”
Rain stopped play with India at 147/2 after 24.1 overs, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul at the crease. On Monday, the game is anticipated to be postponed once more due to rain; in this case, each team will receive one point.