Cricket legend Wasim Akram revealed that he was abused on social media for questioning Mohammed Rizwan’s approach. The Lankans were 58 for 5, but Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s impressive 45-ball 71 took them to 170.
Pakistan lost Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman quickly while Rizwan and Ifthikar Ahmed tried to steady the run-chase. However, their slow approach was slammed by many and was seen as one of the reasons behind Pakistan’s loss on Sunday.
Speaking on Star Sports, Akram expressed his displeasure with the approach.
“At the beginning of the tournament, I said that openers would struggle in games like these, and that’s what happened today,” said Akram.
Sanjay Manjrekar also lambasted Rizwan, whose strike rate was 104 in the 16th over during a chase.
Akram then said that the Pakistan wicketkeeper played in the same way against Hong Kong and he criticized him for it.
“He had done the same against Hong Kong, and I spoke about it. The people abused me on social media. Look, I will give my honest opinion as I can’t lie about the things I am seeing,” he added.