Shoaib Akhtar predicts Babar Azam and co. to struggle at T20 WC

Mohammad Rizwan gets cleaned up in seventh T20I (PC: Twitter)

Pakistan recently hosted England in a seven-match T20I series, which served as a dress rehearsal for both sides prior to the T20 World Cup 2022. Even though Babar Azam and co. enjoyed a 3-2 lead at one stage, Moeen Ali’s England staged a spirited fightback in the final two games to take home the series 4-3.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has since lashed out at the team for their lacklustre performance against England. The cricketer claimed that the series defeat at home also serves as a warning for them just before the main event in Australia.

Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan might crash out of T20 World Cup

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar came down heavy on the Pakistani middle-order for crumbling against England in the series decider. He said that the middle-order batters always get exposed whenever Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan misfire at the top.

The speedster further claimed that such a performance from the team should not be carried into the T20 World Cup 2022.

The legendary cricketer also criticised Pakistan head coach and his former teammate Saqlain Mushtaq. He said:

“Pakistan middle order is not good. Pakistan’s openers if they don’t perform, middle order gets into pressure. This is not the way to go into a world cup if you want to win the world cup. It is very sad,

“That’s why I had criticised Saqlain Mushtaq and others to get your middle order and batting order in order. Somehow, they are not listening.”

Pakistan will now tour New Zealand for a tri-nation T20I series, with Bangladesh as the third team. The series marks their final set of fixtures prior to the World Cup.

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