Mohammad Rizwan, the leading run-scorer of the Asia Cup, has divided fans and experts with his approach in the final clash. While one set of fans are impressed with his contribution but a majority of them criticised for his slow innings against Sri Lanka. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 49 deliveries and scored 55 which eventually wasn’t good enough for the Pakistan team. In the end, the momentum never shifted in Pakistan’s favour as they were all-out for 147 runs and lost the match by 23 runs. The reactions were immediate as well, with legends like Wasim Akram and Gautam Gambhir criticising Rizwan for batting slow in a high-chase game.
Pakistan lost two early wickets as Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman were dismissed in the 3rd over of the match. Rizwan had to build the innings but his strike rate never improved. Sanjay Manjrekar who was in the commentary panel along with the former Pakistan captain did point out Rizwan’s strike rate, which was 104 in the 16th over of the match. Akram then recalled a time when he criticised the opener but in return was the target of many in social media.
“He (Rizwan) had done the same thing against Hong Kong if you remember. I criticised him, which was healthy criticism. And people attacked me on social media. Pakistan people said that I don't support Rizwan. If you want my opinion, I will give you the right and straightforward opinion. I am not the guy who will lie about what I see. Black is black and white is white for me,” said the 56-year-old on record during his commentary on Star Sports.
They have no idea about what is happening inside the dressing room: Saqlain Mustaq’s response to critics
With Pakistan’s approach being the centre point of discussion, head coach Saqlain Mushtaq defended Rizwan’s approach on the night of the finals. The 45-year-old believes that people sitting outside don't know what’s going on in the dressing room and thus make such comments. He also gave an important update of how Asif Ali and Shadab Khan were injured before going out to bat.
“Easy to comment from the outside, one gets to know only when they are part of the team. I have worked as an expert for three years. So, I know how things worked. Once they work closely with the cricketers from inside only then they will get to know about the team bonding, the environment,” said the head coach in response to Wasim Akram and others who criticised their approach.
In the post-match press conference, he further added, “Asif played with four stitches in his hand. Shadab’s ear was bleeding, he was concussed after the collision and despite all of this he went to bat.”
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