Pakistan took a 2-0 lead against New Zealand in the recently concluded five-match T20I series as the visitors fought back to level the series 2-2. After the cancellation of the fourth T20I due to a hailstorm in Rawalpindi, New Zealand leveled the series with a comprehensive win in the fifth and final T20I. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has questioned the leadership abilities of captain Babar Azam.
Akmal hit out at Babar by saying that even after four years of being the captain, he does not know how to handle situations.
“Talking about his mistakes, he criticizes us and blames us. But our focus is on his captaincy, not his performance. We are not blind to his abilities. He (Babar Azam) still not Knows how to captain. Four years – he doesn’t even know when to give the ball to which bowler. No wonder they lost when they kept making the same mistakes. We controlled our errors didn’t, and so they emerged victorious.” cricket Pakistan Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
The 41-year-old also questioned Babar’s decision not to use Iftikhar Ahmed with the ball, especially when Shadab Khan was being constantly targeted by the New Zealand batsmen.
If both the left-handers were at the crease, giving the ball to Iftikhar Ahmed, the New Zealand batsman, would have been the logical choice. It would be wise to rest him and bring in another all-rounder to give the team a chance to regain form,” he said.
Pakistan and New Zealand will now clash in a five-match ODI series, starting with the first ODI on Thursday, April 27, at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.