'Batsmen's brainless approach still stuck in Stone Age. Too much running between wickets': Pakistan opener lashes out after T20I whitewash vs Australia

Ahmed Shehzad was disappointed by Babar Azam slowing down after powerplay overs and called for a major revamp in T20I squad for next month's South Africa tour.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 19 Nov 2024

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam (R) reacts after being bowled during the third T20I against Pakistan at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on November 18, 2024.

Highlights:

Pakistan were beaten by 7 wickets in the third T20I.

After a good score in powerplay overs, Pakistan were bowled out for 117.

Ahmed Shehzad calls for a major revamp in Pakistan team.

Pakistan's out-of-favour Ahmed Shehzad was left embarrassed after the team faced whitewash in T20I series on Australian soil. From 58/1 after poweprplay overs, Pakistan were bowled out for 117 at Bellerive Oval, Hobart as they suffered yet another collapse. Shehzad questioned batters' old approach including the running between the wickets which he felt was too much. He was not happy with Babar Azam who scored 41 runs as he was left dumbfounded by leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

"We had a good powerplay & Babar Azam was playing set! And then once again when spinners came he had no answers for them! We thought he would help Pakistan get a good total, but as a senior he failed again. The Pakistan batsmen's brainless approach shows they are still stuck in the Stone Age. Too much Running between the wickets," Shehzad wrote in a post on his X account.

Babar scored 24 runs from 12 balls during the fielding restrictions. He did not score a single boundary after the fifth over and was dismissed for a 28-ball 41.

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Marcus Stoinis starred in the run chase with an unbeaten 61 off 27 balls featuring five fours and as many sixes. After hosts Australia chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 52 balls to spare, Shehzad said that the team needs a major revamp.

"This team needs a revamp, Senior players who are baggage on the team must be replaced, Getting whitewashed by this Australian side is shameful, horrible, & embarrassing to say the least. Australia chased Pakistan's total in just 11. 2 overs. This is what modern-day cricket is. Our players lack power. There is no answer for such a horrible performance. For the upcoming South African series let's see if Pakistan will go with the same failed players or will selectors choose younger talent from the domestic circuit, and drop senior players. Changes must be made to both the batting and bowling department," he opined.

Pakistan's schedule for rest of the year

Pakistan will now head to Zimbabwe for a three-ODI and three-T20I series starting later this month. The squad for the series has already been announced. The next T20I series where Pakistan will field a strong side is the South Africa tour starting next month.