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'Weakest Fielding Team…': Gambhir Rips Into Pakistan After Their Loss to AFG

image-lo46ef9jBabar Azam and his team after losing to Afghanistan. (AFP)

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has highlighted Pakistan's lackluster fielding as a significant factor contributing to their defeat against Afghanistan on Monday, October 24. 

Gambhir asserted that Pakistan's fielding has been subpar throughout the tournament, making them the weakest fielding team in the World Cup.

"In the Asia Cup, we discussed Pakistan's fielding. You can have an off day in bowling or batting, but not in fielding. This issue has persisted since the Asia Cup, and it hasn't improved. In my opinion, Pakistan has the weakest fielding team in this World Cup,"  Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports.

Gambhir's dig at Pakistan 

Furthermore, Gambhir expressed concerns about Pakistan's performance against spin bowling. Despite favorable conditions for spinners on the pitch and no dew, none of Pakistan's three spinners managed to take a wicket. This was a troubling aspect of their performance.

"They are struggling in spin bowling. On this wicket, where there was no dew and there was help for the spinners, none of the three spinners could pick up a single wicket. That is the second concern,"  added Gambhir.

The match began with Pakistan setting a reasonably competitive target of 282 for the loss of seven wickets. Captain Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique played pivotal roles, both contributing impressive half-centuries. At the end, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed also made significant contributions to the team's total, each scoring solid 40s.

However, Afghanistan's victory came as a surprise to many, as they successfully chased down the target with an over to spare and eight wickets in hand. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran aggressively took on the Pakistan bowling attack, establishing a formidable opening partnership of 130 runs. After their departure, Rahmat Shah and captain Hasmatullah Shahidi played crucial roles in sailing the team home.

The eight-wicket loss has cast doubt on Pakistan's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. After five matches, Pakistan has only secured two victories while suffering three defeats. This defeat has left Pakistan's World Cup campaign in a state of disarray, and they face a formidable South Africa side next in Chennai on October 27.