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Former Pakistan pacer and commentator Shoaib Akhtar has stated that it is very difficult for Pakistan to make it to the semi-finals after their loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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Akhtar took to Instagram to slam the type of cricket being played by Pakistan. He asserted that while all the teams participating are playing with 6-7 bowlers, Pakistan has only four bowlers who can create an impact.
“Pakistan is now in a do-or-die situation against India. The Indian team is very strong and looks difficult. I still wish Pakistan the best of luck. They should go on the offensive and try winning the contest. You have no option but to play very aggressively. But not like this. Wish them best of luck but it looks very difficult now,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his Instagram handle.
“You all saw the match, you would be disappointed just like me. Pakistan is playing completely different cricket compared to what the rest of the world is doing. There are no impact players, strike rate is very slow. They don’t even play run-a-ball. We leak a lot of runs. Pakistan are playing with just 4 bowlers while the rest of the sides play with at least 6-7 bowlers. It is a disappointing start,” he added.
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After their defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan will next take on their arch-rivals Team India on Sunday, February 23. Later, they will lock horns with Bangladesh on Thursday, February 27. Men in Green are in a must-win situation now. They have to win their next two games in order to make it to the semi-finals.
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first vs NZ. The Black Caps went on to post a dominating total of 320/5 in 50 overs. Later, Pakistan got bundled out in 47.2 overs, scoring only 260 runs.
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