Asia Cup 2018: Mohammad Azharuddin stunned by Pakistan’s lack of attack when defending 162

Criticisms poured in after Pakistan failed to make any match in their high-voltage clash with India in the Asia Cup on Wednesday, losing the game by 8 wickets with 21 overs to spare. While the Pakistani side and their fans were expecting India to fumble after their hard-earned win over Hong Kong on Tuesday, Rohit Sharma’s men turned the tables on them with a lot of authority.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin felt Sarfraz Ahmed’s side took excessive pressure on them in the high-voltage clash and it showed in their game. Pakistan had a disastrous start as both their openers were back in the hut with just three runs on board after Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat. Their best came when Babar Azam (47) and Shoaib Malik (43) added 82 runs for the third wicket but it was a downslide once Kuldeep Yadav bowled Azam.

‘Pak looked like they were under a lot of pressure’

“It was a great win. By taking two early wickets, India put them under pressure. Pakistan looked like they felt a lot of pressure and that is when the momentum shifted. Rohit’s captaincy was positive. He made important bowling changes and the bowlers did not disappoint him. When the team performs well, the captain’s performance is also good,” Azharuddin was quoted as saying by Aaj Tak in an exclusive chat.

The former captain, who led India to two Asia Cup titles in 1990 and 1995, criticised Pakistan saying they played with a negative mindset and that he could not understand why they did not attack after getting all out for 162.

“I did not understand that when Pakistan only had 163 to defend and they have such good bowlers, I did not see them attack. They should have had slips and should have bowled attacking.”

Pakistan managed to pick just two Indian wickets but it was a one-sided game as India drove home with 21 overs to spare. This victory also saw India finishing as the toppers in Group A. They will play Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the qualifiers from Group B, besides Pakistan, in the Super Four stage.

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