Vaughan, Akhtar baffled by Pakistan’s decision to bowl first in second T20I

Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Shoaib Akhtar were baffled by Pakistan’s decision to bowl first in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) against England on Sunday in Leeds.

England’s stand-in skipper Jos Buttler top-scored with 59 before their spinners ripped through the Pakistan batting unit to seal a 45-run win in the second T20I and level the series at 1-1.

Shoaib Akhtar said that he would have sacked Pakistan team management and captain Babar Azam for deciding to bowl first on a flat pitch like this, if he was the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Such a poor decision by captain & the management by bowling 1st on a great batting pitch it’s beyond me just speechless 🤬🤬🤬 pic.twitter.com/Iiv3xEBkTr

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 18, 2021

Meanwhile, Vaughan was also clueless over Pakistan’s decision to field first.

Lovely afternoon at Headingley .. England too strong but no idea why Pakistan bowled first .. Anyway it sets up the last game .. @bbctms !! #ENGvPAK

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 18, 2021

Both teams now head to Manchester for the series decider on Tuesday.