Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss & elected to bowl first against the unpredictable Pakistan cricket team. Rohit Sharma mentioned during the toss time that Shubman Gill would come back to the team in place of the destructive left-handed batter Ishan Kishan.
Pakistan is placed at 4th position on the points table with 4 points. We witnessed how Pakistan chased down the highest run chase of 345 runs in ODI WC 2023. The peculiarity of the Men in Green is that they are no longer dependent on their skipper Babar Azam.
It’s not a wise decision by Rohit Sharma- Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar posted a video on his “X” account. Shoaib Akhtar was quite astounded that Rohit Sharma didn’t include an extra spinner against Pakistan. Shoaib Akhtar was delighted that Pakistan were asked to bat first and optimistic that the Babar Azam led side would get off to a flyer.
“It is a very good wicket. Rohit Sharma winning the toss and fielding first is beyond me. Also, I don’t know why they didn’t play an extra spinner. I am very happy that Pakistan got to bat first here. They are off to a flyer. It was not a wise decision by India. They have given Pakistan a chance to score big runs,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
Crucial phase for Pakistan
The powerplay overs would be quite pivotal for Pakistan as the surface looks a belter. All eyes will be on Imam-ul-Haq who hasn’t been able to dictate the terms in the ODI WC 2023. He along with Abdullah Shafique will have to negate the threat of Siraj & Bumrah.
Pakistan must be aiming to post a score in excess of 280 which not only will give the side an edge but will keep the side in good stead. The skipper Babar Azam needs to bat a bit responsibly, he is getting starts but is unable to convert it to big ones which is a concern for the team.