Akram reacts after Pakistan’s horrible batting display in first England ODI

Pakistan’s former pacer Wasim Akram has reacted after the Men in Green’s horrible batting display in the first One-day International (ODI) against England in Cardiff on Thursday.

Pakistan were bowled out for 141 in 35.2 overs with seamer Saqib Mahmood bagging impressive figures of 4/42 in 10 overs.

“I can’t say that this happened due to lack of practice as these guys have been playing PSL recently. I hope it’s just a one-off,” said Akram while speaking during the innings break on Ten Sports.   

He was also unimpressed with opener Imamul Haq’s approach, who was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball of the innings.

“Imamul Haq played across the line on the very first ball. It was obvious that the bowlers will get some assistance early on and he would have been better off if he had played the ball with a straight bat,” he said.

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Pakistan opener Shan Masood, while speaking on the same show, also echoed Akram’s thoughts.

“When a team asks you to bat first, you respect the opposition and assess the conditions before playing yours shots,” said Masood.