Dubai: Following Pakistan’s crushing six-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy, former captain Shoaib Malik found a unique way to express his frustration. When asked for his reaction during a panel discussion by former pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Malik did not respond with words but instead sang a classic Bollywood song:
“Dil ke armaan aasuwon me bah gaye… Hum wafa karke bhi tanha rah gaye…”
(Translation: “The desires of the heart drowned in tears… Despite being loyal, we remain alone…”)
His impromptu performance struck a chord with the other panelists and encapsulated the deep sense of disappointment felt by Pakistan fans after another lackluster performance from their team.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Match
This defeat was Pakistan’s second consecutive loss in the Champions Trophy. Having already lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening game, their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals now hang by a thread. Batting first, Pakistan was bowled out for just 241, failing to build any momentum during their innings. Between overs 10 and 30, they only managed to hit five boundaries, showcasing their struggle against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
In contrast, India chased down the target effortlessly, with Virat Kohli leading the way with a commanding unbeaten 100 runs. The result of the match was decided early on, with India’s dominance evident from the outset.
Criticism from Cricket Legends
The defeat prompted criticism from Pakistan’s cricketing legends, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. Akram, in particular, expressed his dismay over Pakistan’s lack of aggression. “India hit 11 boundaries in the first 10 overs. Pakistan hit 11 boundaries in the first 20 overs. The match was decided there,” Akram said during the ‘Dressing Room’ show. He also questioned the team’s selection, adding, “I don’t know what they were thinking.”
Waqar Younis echoed Akram’s sentiments, citing Pakistan’s failure to generate enough runs and their lack of discipline with the ball. “Indian bowlers were disciplined. We didn’t have enough discipline in our bowling,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar, in a separate social media video, was blunt in his assessment of Pakistan’s performance. “I knew what would happen. This is just brainless and clueless management,” Akhtar remarked, pointing fingers at Pakistan’s team selection and strategy.
Pakistan’s Slim Chances Moving Forward
With only one match left in the group stage, Pakistan now faces Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. However, depending on the outcomes of other games, their fate may already be sealed. If Bangladesh loses to New Zealand on Monday, both teams will be eliminated, leaving Pakistan with slim chances of advancing.
Despite the frustration, the team will look to their final match as an opportunity to salvage some pride, though the road ahead is difficult and full of uncertainties.
As the tournament progresses, Pakistan’s cricketing icons and passionate fans will be hoping for a turnaround, but the recent performance has left many questioning the team’s future in the Champions Trophy.
