Courtesy: Google
Pakistan’s five-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the final of tri-series in Karachi has got them at the receiving end of a lot of criticism. As the opening contest of the Champions Trophy 2025 between both sides will happen at the same venue, Pakistan came under fierce scrutiny from their former batter Ahmed Shehzad. Former right-handed batter spoke on his YouTube channel and took the Men in Green to the cleaners for their decision to bat first against the Kiwi side in the final.
"It was a mind-boggling decision (to bat first) because we had seen in the previous match that the pitch becomes better to bat on in the night, the ball doesn’t grip on the surface for the spinners. Still, the Pakistan team decided to bat first. Brainless decision, they had no clue," remarked the ex-Pakistan batter.
Pakistan’s bubble has burst: Shehzad
Shehzad was relentless against Pakistan for making poor decisions against New Zealand in Karachi. He said Pakistan has only chances to be victorious in the upcoming marquee event if their opponents make blunders or miss the services of their mainstay stalwarts.
"In a final, you are making childish decisions...you are making so many mistakes in matches. You get a chance to win only when the opposition performs below par or don’t have their main players playing," said the 33-year-old.
In the final played in Karachi, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision backfired as the Men in Green were bundled out at a score of 242 in 49.3 overs. New Zealand struggled in the initial stage of the chase, losing Will Young early but Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham held their nerves and helped their team to go close to the total. Glenn Phillips gave finishing touch to the side with his unbeaten 20 off 17.
