Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler, Wasim Akram criticised the national team's current skipper Babar Azam for accepting Virat Kohli's jersey publicly after the Men in Green were annihilated by India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during an ODI World Cup fixtures on October 14 (Saturday). Akram didn't mince his words and affirmed that after what transpired in the game and how badly Pakistan lost, Babar should have taken Virat's jersey privately in the dressing and not in front of the cameras.
"That’s what I exactly said when I saw the picture (getting the shirts publicly, not privately)," Akram said on A Sports.
"Today was not the day to do this. If you want to do it – if your uncle’s son has asked you to get Kohli’s shirt – then do it after the game in the dressing room," he added.
Coming back to the match, Rohit Sharma's India completely demolished and demoralised Pakistan by winning the one-sided match with seven wickets and 19.3 overs to spare. As a result, the Men in Blue scaled to the summit of the points table after registering three wins in as many matches played in the tournament so far.
Pakistan posted a lowly total of 191 on the board despite Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's impressive knock. While Babar scored 50 off 58 balls, Rizwan chipped in with a 49-run knock as the duo stitched together a 72-run partnership. The crucial wicket of Azam, taken by Siraj (2/50), shifted the momentum in India's favor. A well-executed slow off-cutter by Bumrah (2/19 in 7 overs) sneaked through Rizwan's bat and pad, marking the conclusion of Pakistan's resistance.
In reply, Rohit Sharma yet again blistering knock of 86 off 63 balls made sure India won the match without breaking a sweat. With this win India became the ODI World Cup 2023's table toppers with three consecutive victories. With this India topped the points table with three back-to-back victories and also extended their 31-year-long dominance against the arch-rivals in the the ODI World Cup. Notably, India have emerged victorious in all the eight ODI World Cup encounters against Pakistan.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs PAK: Babar Azam-led Pakistan surrender as Rohit Sharma roars in Ahmedabad to make it 8-0 in World Cup
Why Mohammed Siraj had to say 'I'm not a bad bowler' in press conference despite taking Babar Azam's wicket
