Iqbal Qasim: “Sarfraz Ahmed should have led from the front rather than [adopting] a demoralised approach”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former Pakistan left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim lashed out at captain Sarfraz Ahmed for his “demoralised approach” in the national team’s World Cup opener against the West Indies.

Pakistan were bowled out for 105 after being put in to bat first as they failed to deal with the short-pitched deliveries the West Indian bowlers dished up.

As a result of the men in green’s dismal performance with the bat, the West Indies proceeded to win the match by seven wickets with 218 balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam were the top scorers as they both made 22 runs, while Wahab Riaz chipped in with a quickfire 18 at the end.

Mohammad Hafeez was the only other batsman to reach double figures as he made 16.

While there weren’t many positives for Pakistan in the match, Qasim noted that Sarfraz should have still motivated his side till the end.

“A wicketkeeper’s prime job is to always keep the team awake and always buck up teammates and as skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed should have led from the front rather than [adopting] a demoralised approach and hoping things [would] happen for him,” Qasim told The Nation.

“He should have created something out of the match. It is true after getting out on meagre 105, and that too thanks to Wahab Riaz, who hit some lusty blows, the bowlers had very little to offer.”

Pakistan’s next match will be against hosts England in Nottingham on Monday.

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