'Most ordinary team': Gambhir points out major reason behind Pakistan's WC loss to Afghanistan

On Monday in Chennai, Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan in a World Cup. After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Pakistan scored 282 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Afghanistan was able to chase down the target that Babar Azam and his team had set in just 49 overs, winning by 8 wickets. Since then, they have been heavily criticised by the cricket world.

3 things you need to know

• Pakistan made 282 runs at a loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs
• In 49 overs, Afghanistan scored 286/2
• Babar Azam and his team have been criticized a lot for their recent performances  

Also Read: 'They Need A Complete Overhaul': Ramiz Raja Lambasts Babar Azam's Defensive Approach

Gautam Gambhir made a huge statement about Pakistan’s poor run in the CWC

Ex-Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir stressed the importance of poor fielding by Pakistan in their loss to Afghanistan in the World Cup. Babar Azam's squad lost their third straight game in the CWC. Due to this setback, Pakistan now has to win its final four matches in order to continue in the tournament. Pakistan's lack of vigilance against Afghanistan was on full display as they conceded several runs in the form of simple boundaries and failed to exert any sort of pressure on the Afghan batters. Gambhir added that Pakistan has the worst fielding performance of any team in this World Cup. Talking on Star Sports, he said:

“We have spoken about this in the Asia Cup as well - Pakistan's fielding. You can have a bad day in bowling or batting, but not in fielding. This has been going on since the Asia Cup and the department has still not improved. I believe Pakistan are the most ordinary fielding team in this World Cup,”

Also Read: Watch: Ahead Of IND Vs ENG, Rahul Dravid And Support Staff Take A Day Off

Pakistan lacks quality spinners: Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir has voiced his displeasure with Pakistan's spin bowlers and poor fielders. Despite the Chepauk surface being favorable to spinners, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed were unable to make a big impact. Inadequate quality spin bowling options have hurt Pakistan, as their opponents have scored easily in the middle overs. Gambhir also pointed out that the top five batters for Pakistan have a similar batting approach, arguing that the team is missing an X-factor.  He added:

"They are struggling in spin bowling. On this wicket, where there was no dew and there was help for the spinners, none of the three spinners could pick up a single wicket. That is the second concern,"

"The third concern is Pakistan's batting. Pakistan's top five batters are similar types of batters. They don't have a batter apart from Iftikhar Ahmed who can take the game head-on,"

“Cricket has moved on. Cricket is not the same as it was in the 1990s or 2011, where you score 270 or 280 runs and think that your bowling will defend that. Two new balls, flat wickets, five fielders within the circle, you will have to play proactive and attacking cricket.”

Pakistan will play their next match on 27th October against South Africa.