Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi takes a dig at the naysayers who criticized Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan.
The opening batters came under intense criticism for the critics for slow strike rate and causing the team to lose matches. Former cricketer Aqib Javed had criticized the approach of Babar Azam in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022. Many former cricketers along with him had questioned the intent and performance of both Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan. Javed had said that if Babar and Rizwan are opening for Pakistan. The team will never chase the target of more than 150 runs.
The young cricketers gave a befitting response to the critics after they chased a target of 200 runs in the second T20I against England on Thursday. Pakistan became the only team in the history of T20I to chase the target of 200 runs without losing a wicket. Babar Azam scored a century and Muhammad Rizwan scored 88 runs; both the players remained unbeaten. Muhammad Rizwan was also criticized for playing for himself in the team.
I think it is time to get rid of Kaptaan @babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak. Itne selfish players. Agar sahi se khelte to match 15 overs me finish hojana chahye tha. Ye akhri over tak le gaye. Let's make this a movement. Nahi? 😉
Absolutely proud of this amazing Pakistani team. 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q9aKqo3iDm
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) September 22, 2022
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Celebrating the success of the team, Shaheen Shah Afridi took a dig at critics in his tweet. He recalled the comments of the people to change the opening duo of Pakistan.
“I think it is time to get rid of Kaptaan @babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak. Itne selfish players. Agar sahi se khelte to match 15 overs me finish hojana chahye tha. Ye akhri over tak le gaye. Let’s make this a movement. Nahi? Absolutely proud of this amazing Pakistani team,” said Shaheen Shah Afridi in his tweet last night.
Pakistan cricket fans appreciated the response of other players who expressed unity and supported teammates and skipper in the face of intense criticism. Fans hope the Pakistan cricket team will continue to play with the same intent in the future.