Advertisement

Updated October 16th, 2019 at 16:37 IST

Afridi cites lack of power-hitters in Pakistan as reason for bad form

Former Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi cites the lack of power-hitting batsmen in the national side behind their recent series defeat at home against Sri Lanka.

Reported by: Aakash Saini
Afridi
| Image:self
Advertisement

International cricket returned to Pakistan last month as the cricket-crazy nation hosted Sri Lanka for three ODI’s and three T20I matches. However, the Pakistani fans did not have much to celebrate as they saw their home side get hammered in the T20I’s by the island nation. Pakistan, who are ranked number 1 in ICC T20 team rankings, lost all three matches of the shortest format after they defeated the visiting side 2-0 in the ODI series. On the backdrop of the series defeat, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi admitted that the national side is in desperate need of power hitters.

Shahid Afridi on lack of power-hitters

Also Read | Sri Lanka Players Boycott Pakistan, Singhvi Lets Imran Khan Have It

Pakistan home series defeat

The star all-rounder, who himself was one of the biggest power-hitters in international cricket, criticised the national side for their performance in the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka. Throughout the three matches, the Pakistani batsmen could manage to hit only 5 sixes combined in a series completely dominated by the Sri Lankans. The home series defeat came as a surprise to the entire cricketing community as Sri Lanka were ranked number 7 before the start of the tour.

Also Read | Sri Lankan Cricket Team Gets Green Light For Pakistan Tour

In an interview with a Pakistani daily, the 2009 World T20 winner said that the home side missed the element of quality power-hitting against Sri Lanka. He cited Abdul Razzak as a fine hitter during his time and emphasised the important role the big-hitting batsmen have played in the growth of Pakistan cricket. He also addressed Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and MS Dhoni as world-renowned power hitters in his interview.  

Also Read | Shahid Afridi Blames IPL For Sri Lanka Players Backing Out Of Pak Tour

Also Read | World Cup 2019: Netizens Are Asking If Sarfaraz Ahmed Had Chicken Biryani During The Rain Interruption As The Pakistan Captain Goes Viral For This Reason

Advertisement

Published October 16th, 2019 at 12:21 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo