Babar Azam-led Pakistan yet again faltered in the ongoing ODI World Cup and suffered a heavy 62-run defeat at the hands of Australia at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on October 20, Friday.
Riding on David Warner and Mitchell Marsh's cracking centuries, Australia posted a colossal total of 367/9. In reply, despite getting a good start with Imam Ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique notching fifties, Pakistan ran out of steam and surrendered to Australian bowling handing them an easy 62-run win.
But what caught everyone's attention was Pakistani legendary bowler Waqar Younis' astonishing remark following Pakistan's setback against Australia.
It was Waqar Younis' off-the-cuff comment during the post-match show that grabbed headlines. Pakistan's defeat, coming hot on the heels of a previous loss to arch-rivals India, put the Men in Green under considerable pressure.
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Meanwhile, during the post-match analysis, Waqar in a lighthearted moment, while speaking to to broadcasters alongside former Australian cricketers Shane Watson and Aaron Finch humorously pointed out his Aussie link.
"I'm a half Aussie, don't just call me a Pakistani," Waqar told Star Sports,
To provide context to his comment, Waqar's spouse, Faryal, is a Pakistani-Australian doctor. They reside with their three children in Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Waqar, a celebrated figure in the annals of cricket, is not only esteemed as one of Pakistan's cricketing jewels but is also recognised globally as one of the finest pacers the sport has ever witnessed. His illustrious career spanning 14 years saw him play 87 Test matches and 262 ODIs, snaring 373 and 416 wickets respectively.
Currently, Waqar is in India, offering his seasoned insights both as a commentator and expert panelist for the primary broadcaster of the ongoing ODI World Cup.
Talking about the match, after being put into bat by Babar Azam, Australia managed a formidable 367-run total. David Warner (164 runs) and Mitchell Marsh (121 runs) stole the show with their scintillating centuries and 259-run opening partnership, which ranks as the second-highest in World Cup history. While Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi shone with a five-wicket haul, it wasn't enough to offset the Aussies' batting prowess.
In reply, Pakistan's chase began promisingly, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq establishing a sturdy 134-run foundation. Despite both notching up impressive half-centuries, their departures triggered a middle-order collapse. Adam Zampa's four-wicket caused Pakistan's batting fiasco handing them back-to-back defeats in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
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