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Former cricket star Virender Sehwag has voiced his criticism of Pakistan's cricket team, dismissing the absence of Naseem Shah as a reason for the team's lacklustre performance in the World Cup 2023.
Pakistan began their World Cup journey on a positive note with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, consecutive defeats to India, Australia, and Afghanistan have derailed their campaign. Their recent loss came at the hands of Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Sehwag, known for his candid remarks, spoke about the loss saying, "Pakistan is an unpredictable side but the way they have been making lame excuses for their earlier defeats, this was certainly on the cards. Just did not focus on their many weaknesses. What a proud day for Afghanistan came close many times, but today crossed the line."
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Another cricket expert in Aakash Chopra voiced a similar opinion. Expressing his views on platform X, he said, "Naseem Shah is a damn good bowler. No doubt about it. But using his absence as an excuse for losing three matches in a row is a cop-out. People from Pakistan on this platform need to ask questions to the PCB instead. Finished fourth in the Asia Cup. Now, the World Cup. How did it come to this??"
Naseem Shah's World Cup journey was cut short due to a shoulder injury he sustained during the Asia Cup Super Four match in Colombo. He has since undergone surgery for the same.
Currently, in the World Cup 2023 standings, Pakistan holds the fifth position, having secured four points with a net run rate of -0.400, thanks to their two wins from five matches. Their upcoming challenge is against South Africa on Friday, October 27, at the Chepauk.
Currently, Pakistan occupies the fifth position. However, following three consecutive defeats, another setback against South Africa this week could likely jeopardise the 1992 winners' prospects of progressing to the knock-out stages.
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