Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he received texts during India’s Asia Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka that Rohit Sharma’s men ‘fixed’ the game. India’s defeat to Sri Lanka would’ve made Pakistan’s road to the Asia Cup 2023 final all the more difficult, however, the Men in Blue did beat the defending champions by 41 runs, meaning Babar Azam’s men now face the Lankan Lions in a virtual semifinal on September 14.
At one stage however, India found themselves in trouble against Sri Lanka as Dunith Wellalage picked up a five-wicket haul, restricting the Men in Blue to a total of 213 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka folded for 172 runs however Wellalage scored an unbeaten knock of 42, eventually falling short of partners at the other end.
Akhtar meanwhile on his YouTube channel revealed that he received texts from people that India were purposely losing the game against Sri Lanka to eliminate Pakistan. Reacting to the conspiracy theory, the veteran pacer lashed out at the allegations, calling them ‘absolutely nonsense’ before he expressed his disappointment about the 228-run defeat, which was ‘humiliating’ in the words of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’.
ALSO READ| Naseem Shah Ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 in Huge Scare for Pakistan Ahead of ODI World Cup
“I’m receiving messages that India have fixed the game, they’re playing badly so that Pakistan get knocked out. Are you guys out of your minds? They’re bowling their hearts out. Wellalage has bowled really well,” said Akhtar.
“He also scored 43. Suddenly, I’m receiving phone calls that India are losing so that Pakistan can get eliminated. Man, why would they lose? They could’ve reached the final with win, and they did. Absolute nonsense,” he added.
Sri Lanka gave up with a valiant display and although the defending champions saw their 13-game winning streak come to an end, Akhtar feels that Pakistan didn’t show the effort which Dasun Shanaka’s men showed in their faceoff against the Indian team.
ALSO READ | ‘Virat Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq Round 2’: Fans Gear up For Epic Faceoff, LSG Pacer Included in Afghanistan WC Squad
Chasing a massive total of 357, Pakistan could only muster up 128, with as Akhtar defending the bowlers who conceded runs aplenty citing their injury concerns. Haris Rauf didn’t bowl his full quota of 10 overs due to a suspected injury whereas Naseem Shah picked up a shoulder injury and has subsequently been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023.
“Wellalage, 20-year-old kid. He’s bowling and batting as well. There’s a fight there. I didn’t see this fight in our players. See, you can’t blame our fast bowlers. They don’t play regular ODIs, and then, you expect Haris, Naseem, Shaheen to bowl 10 overs and not get injured. All I want is a fight from Asia Cup, at least chase 300 runs. Reach at least 275. You gave up too soon. That was humiliating,” said Akhtar.
Comments
0 comment