Umar Akmal blames Misbah-ul-Haq for 2011 World Cup match dismissal

Pakistan's middle-order batter Umar Akmal has claimed that former captain Misbah-ul-Haq's advice to "rotate the strike" during the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2011 semi-final against India led to his dismissal.

Speaking on a private TV show, Akmal reminisced about Pakistan’s World Cup campaign under the captaincy of Shahid Afridi. He emphasized that the team had a solid plan and momentum from their previous matches.

"We had planned for the whole World Cup. Shahid bhai was captain, and we had rhythm from our previous matches," Akmal said.

Reflecting on his partnership with Misbah-ul-Haq during the semi-final, the wicket-keeper batter mentioned that he was finding his form at the crease.

"As soon as I went in, I began getting balls I could hit to my favorite areas. Misbah bhai was batting with me. When Harbhajan Singh came [to bowl], Misbah told me to play him slowly and then start hitting in the next over," he said.

Despite his confidence in attacking the spinner, Akmal claimed Misbah urged him to be cautious and continue rotating the strike, as the Indian bowlers were already under pressure.

"But Misbah-ul-Haq said that we should not rush things and keep rotating the strike. In doing so, I misread Harbhajan Singh's arm ball and was clean bowled," he concluded.

It is worth noting that the Men in Green was ultimately defeated by India in the semi-final round of the 2011 World Cup, bowled out for 231 while chasing a target of 261 in 50 overs.