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'Even AFG Better Than Us...' Ex-Cricketers' Harsh Assessment Of PAK's Failed WC Run

image-lotua8k0Babar Azam is leading PAK in WC 2023 (AP Photo)

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed contrasting fates of two top Asian sides. While Afghanistan rose from the ashes, Pakistan recorded one of its worst campaigns in CWC history. 

Afghanistan stayed in semi-final contention until the last league game, which is a victory in itself for the undeveloped side. On the other hand, Pakistan currently stands virtually eliminated despite being the favourites.

Tables turned for both sides as the CWC 2023 was nothing short of an eye-opening event. While one side rejoiced, the other are standing on the brink of a collapse as even their own turned against them. 

In a recent episode of the popular show “Pavilion,” panellist and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik drew a comparison between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s CWC campaign. He reckoned that Afghans emerged as a better side amongst the Asian countries and played much better cricket compared to Pakistan.

"In my opinion, if we are just sticking with this World Cup, then yes, Afghanistan have played better cricket than us,” said Malik.

Sitting across the table was former Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who echoed the same sentiment. He backed Malik’s statement wholeheartedly and said that Afghanistan looked much stronger in its intent and overall demeanour. 

Akram also feared that perhaps Pakistan players were marred with fatigue. They played back-to-back series prior to the World Cup in extreme conditions, which may have hampered their overall fitness, and of course, their mental toughness was also tested.

“Afghans looked stronger. Maybe, our boys looked fatigued because they were playing cricket continuously. Afghanistan cricketers looked better than Pakistan, there is no doubt,” said Wasim Akram.

As it stands, while Afghanistan concluded their successful CWC 2023 campaign, Pakistan are currently playing their final group stage game against England, where the semi-final qualification scenarios seem unrealistic per se.