Rizwan Admits Fielding Lapses Cost Pakistan Against India
- Disappointing Loss: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged that mistakes in fielding and shot selection contributed to their six-wicket defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday.
- Toss Advantage Lost: Rizwan said Pakistan failed to capitalize on winning the toss and credited India’s bowlers for their disciplined performance.
- Fielding Lapses: Rizwan highlighted that mistakes in fielding were especially costly and admitted that Pakistan’s performance was lacking in all departments, allowing India to dominate.
Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Pakistan Management
- Management Blamed: Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the team management, criticizing their lack of strategic planning and poor selection decisions.
- Tactical Errors: Akhtar expressed frustration over Pakistan’s failure to select a fifth bowler and their lack of understanding of their own skillset.
- Player Criticism: He also blamed the management for the players’ struggles, calling it “brainless and cruel” and urging a change in approach.
Virat Kohli’s Match-Winning Century
- Kohli’s Dominance: Indian batter Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s victory, scoring an unbeaten century. Akhtar praised Kohli as a modern-day great and acknowledged his incredible achievements, including reaching 14,000 runs.
Points Table Update
- India’s Position: India’s win put them at the top of the points table with four points, and they will next face New Zealand on March 2.
- Pakistan’s Next Challenge: Pakistan will face Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi and needs a win to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
- Group A Matches: The next Group A match is between New Zealand and Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalpindi. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for March 9 in Lahore. If India qualifies, the final will be moved to Dubai.