'Afghanistan played better': Shoaib Malik compares PAK's subdued performance with AFG's sublime show

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik stated that he thought Afghanistan played better cricket than Pakistan at the current ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan's World Cup campaign came to an end in the group stage match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they lost to South Africa.

3 things you need to know 

• Pakistan is currently 5th on the table 
• Pakistan vs England will take place today 
• Pakistan need to win with a huge margin

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 Shoaib Malik claims Afghanistan played better than Pakistan 

In an interview with A Sports, Malik voiced his thoughts, highlighting how Afghanistan outperformed Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan have each won four games in the competition. Pakistan's last group-stage encounter is scheduled to take place in Kolkata against England. He said: 

“Afghanistan played better cricket than us. In my opinion, if we are just sticking with this World Cup then yes Afghanistan have played better cricket than us,” 

Wasim Akram fully agreed with Shoaib Malik

In agreement with Malik's point of view, the famous fast bowler Wasim Akram also said that the Pakistan team might be suffering from tiredness. India, South Africa, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Australia are the teams that Pakistan has lost to in the World Cup. This string of losses could have been caused by things like the Pakistani team being tired. Wasim Akram said: 

“Afghans looked stronger. Maybe, our boys looked fatigued because they were playing cricket continuously. Afghanistan cricketers looked better than Pakistan, there is no doubt,” 

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In contrast to Pakistan's disappointing performance, Afghanistan's 2023 Cricket World Cup adventure was an enthralling romance. The team, led by captain Hasmatullah Shahidi, attracted attention with their impressive performances.

They won against England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—three previous World Cup champions—beyond all expectations. Considering that Afghanistan has only won two World Cups prior to this competition, this achievement is noteworthy.

Afghanistan played with incredible tenacity against South Africa in their final group match. Electing to bat first, they established a formidable goal of 244 runs in 50 overs, mostly fueled by the unbeaten 97 of Azmatullah Omarzai, which included three sixes and seven boundaries. South Africa earned a five-wicket victory in the match despite their best efforts.