'We Were no. 1 in ODIs Recently': Pakistan Legend Says Babar Azam's Men Weak in All Three Departments vs Afghanistan

Pakistan cricket team continues to cop criticism from former players following their third defeat in a row at the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

The Babar Azam-led side lost to Afghanistan for the first time in an ODI on Chennai. The 1992 champions started their world cup campaign with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka before losing to India, Australia and Afghanistan.

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Pakistan batting legend Mohammad Yousuf has said the manner in which Afghanistan, who are currently ranked 9th in ODIs, easily chased down the target of 283 must have hurt the players.

He pointed out how Pakistan produced a poor show in all three departments.

“2-3 weeks back, we were No, 1 in ODIs and now we have lost to a team that is n.10 in the world (Afghanistan are ranked 9th in ODIs) by 8 wickets,” Yousuf said in a video he shared on X (formerly X). “They chased down the target so easily, didn’t have to score quickly. I think this isn’t good for us. Players and fans both would be hurt after this. We were not up to the mark in any department, be it batting, bowling or fielding. All three areas we were weak.”

Yousuf said he was expecting a pitch that would assist spinners but it turned out to be batting-friendly and there wasn’t much for the bowlers in it.

“Prior to this match, I had said Pakistan will have to be brave with the bat. I thought it will be a turning wicket, like the one that was for New Zealand and Afghanistan. It wasn’t the case, this was a pitch that was good for batting, not much help for the bowlers. Still, they shouldn’t have lost by 8 wickets,” he said.

Pakistan will return to action after a break of three days when they take on a red-hot South Africa who bounced back after a shock defeat to the Netherlands with a crushing win over England in Mumbai.