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Pakistan cricketing legend Wasim Akram slammed Bangladesh veteran cricketer Mahmudullah for his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 second group stage match against New Zealand. Bangladesh have failed to perform in their first two group stage matches of the mega event, losing to India and New Zealand to crash out of the tournament.
India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets and then New Zealand defeated the side by five wickets. After being eliminated, Pakistan great Wasim Akram lashedout Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah.
Mahmudullah managed to score just four runs from 14 deliveries as he was sent back by Michael Bracewell. While fielding he dropped the catch of Rachin Ravindra at mid-on on 105. He did redeem himself with a run out of Tom Latham, but by then, the matter was already put to bed.
“That was a sitter! Mahmudullah lagda hai chhuti pe aaya hai (Mahmudullah looks like he has come here on vacation). Na batting ho rahi, na bowling (He’s unable to bat or bowl),” said Akram about the dropped catch.
Wasim Akram believes that the cricketer like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim who are already who are 39 and 37 years old should play red-ball cricket and prepare young players to feature in white-ball cricket.
“This is a learning curve for Bangladesh cricket. They’ve brought guys like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim who are 39 and 37 years old. Prepare young players for white ball cricket and let these veterans play red ball if they want to do it. White ball cricket is about fearlessness. This is what Bangladesh needs to think about, preparing a team for next year’s T20 World Cup.”
Pakistan bowling legend lavished praise on youngster Nahid Rana, who picked up Kane Williamson's wicket in the fourth over after inducing an edge with his pace.
“I saw Rana bowling for the first time. Look at the ball he bowled to Williamson… look at the pace, the carry, the swing of the delivery. Zabardast! I like the celebration too. Hardly any. Sometimes youngsters go overboard with their celebrations,” said Akram.
After Bangladesh's loss, defending Champions Pakistan are also ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan will lock horns against each other for their third group-stage match which would be a dead rubber as both teams have already been knocked out of the tournament.
