'This team should play Zimbabwe & Ireland', Kamran Akmal takes a brutal dig at Pakistan

Former cricketer Kamran Akmal has strongly criticized Pakistan’s performance after their 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Akmal, frustrated by the team’s poor show, suggested that Pakistan should play against lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland instead of facing stronger opponents.  
 
Playing their first ICC tournament at home in 29 years, Pakistan had high hopes going into the match in Karachi. However, New Zealand outplayed them in all departments, leaving fans and experts disappointed.  

Speaking on a local news channel, Akmal didn't hold back his frustration. He even predicted that Pakistan might not win a single match in the tournament.  

"This Pakistan team should play with Zimbabwe & Ireland. This team will be lucky to win even one match in the Champions Trophy," said Akmal.  

Pakistan initially had a promising start with the ball, reducing New Zealand to 73-3. However, opener Will Young and captain Tom Latham built a solid partnership to take the game away.  

Young, replacing Rachin Ravindra in the playing XI, scored a brilliant 107 off 113 balls before Naseem Shah dismissed him. Meanwhile, Latham played an aggressive innings, reaching 118 off 104 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch with a quick 61 off 39 balls, helping New Zealand post a strong total of 320/5.  

Pakistan’s batting never gained momentum in the chase. The team was in trouble early, losing both Saud Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan within the first 10 overs, leaving them at 22-2.  

Babar Azam held one end but struggled to score freely. His slow knock of 64 off 90 balls added pressure on the team. Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha tried to push the scoring rate with a quick 42 off 28 balls, but he couldn't play a big innings.  

Khushdil Shah was Pakistan’s top scorer, smashing 69 off 49 balls down the order, but his efforts weren’t enough. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 260, falling short by 60 runs.  
 
With this loss, Pakistan faces a tough challenge ahead in the tournament. If they don’t improve their game quickly, Akmal’s prediction of a winless campaign might become a reality.