Wasim Akram Slams Pakistan’s Death-Over Bowlers, Domestic Setup, and Selectors
Cricket legend Wasim Akram has openly criticized Pakistan’s bowling performance in the death overs following their 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled in the final 10 overs, conceding 113 runs, allowing New Zealand to post a dominant total of 320/5 in 50 overs.
Akram emphasized that Pakistan’s inability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs resulted in the batting side gaining complete control in the death overs, ultimately leading to Pakistan’s downfall.
Death-Overs Bowling Struggles
New Zealand’s batting dominance in the latter part of the innings was led by *Tom Latham (118) and Glenn Phillips (61)**, who took full advantage of Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling attack.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance at the Death
The Pakistani bowlers failed to control the run flow, allowing the opposition to build a formidable total.
- Haris Rauf: 10 overs, 2 wickets for 83 runs (Most expensive bowler)
- Naseem Shah: 10 overs, 2 wickets for 63 runs
- Abrar Ahmed: 10 overs, 1 wicket for 47 runs
- Shaheen Afridi: 10 overs, 0 wickets for 68 runs
Akram specifically highlighted Pakistan’s poor bowling averages in their last four ODIs:
- Haris Rauf: 35.33
- Shaheen Afridi: 44.50
- Naseem Shah: 49.00
- Abrar Ahmed: 54.00
- Salman Agha: 124.00
- Khushdil Shah: 167.00
Akram’s Analysis
“With these bowling averages, Pakistan cannot expect to win ODIs. The lack of consistency and execution is concerning,” Akram stated.
He further pointed out that the lack of wicket-taking ability in the middle overs left Pakistan’s bowlers with no control in the final phase of the game, allowing New Zealand to accelerate freely.
Concerns Over Pakistan’s Domestic Cricket Setup
Beyond just the bowling performance, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis also criticized the overall squad quality and the state of Pakistan’s domestic cricket system.
Changes in the Domestic Structure
Akram pointed out that Pakistan’s domestic cricket system has undergone significant changes in recent years, but the transition has not yielded the desired results at the international level.
- Lack of proper grooming for young bowlers
- Frequent changes in domestic cricket policies
- Inconsistent selection criteria
- Inability to produce quality pacers comparable to previous generations
Waqar Younis’ Perspective
Waqar Younis echoed Akram’s concerns and stressed the need to invest in young talent and create a stable domestic cricket structure.
“Looking back is not the answer—Pakistan must focus on looking ahead and making progressive changes,” said Waqar.
Pakistan’s Road Ahead in the Tournament
After suffering a disappointing defeat, Pakistan will need to regroup and fix their bowling concerns before their next crucial match against India on February 23.
Key Focus Areas for Improvement
- Death Overs Bowling: Bowlers need to execute their yorkers and slower deliveries effectively.
- Middle Overs Wickets: Pakistan must focus on taking breakthroughs between overs 20-40.
- Fielding & Fitness: The team struggled with lapses in the field, which cost them extra runs.
- Strategic Selections: Pakistan’s playing XI must be selected based on form and fitness rather than reputation.
The Men in Green have little time to recover, and a loss against India could further damage their chances of progressing in the tournament.
FAQs
1. Why did Wasim Akram criticize Pakistan’s bowling attack?
Wasim Akram pointed out Pakistan’s inability to take wickets in the middle overs and their poor execution in the death overs, which resulted in conceding 113 runs in the last 10 overs.
2. What were Pakistan’s key bowling weaknesses against New Zealand?
Pakistan struggled with death-over execution, lacked control in the middle phase, and had high bowling averages, making it difficult to contain the opposition.
3. How did Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips impact the game?
Both batters capitalized on Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling, accelerating in the last 10 overs to push New Zealand’s total beyond 300.
4. What are the major concerns about Pakistan’s domestic cricket system?
Akram and Waqar Younis criticized the inconsistent structure, lack of talent grooming, and ineffective policy changes that have weakened Pakistan’s cricket pipeline.
5. What can Pakistan do to bounce back against India?
Pakistan must improve their bowling strategy, take wickets in the middle overs, field better, and ensure a well-balanced playing XI for their next game.
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