Shoaib Akhtar reveals 'turning point' in T20 World Cup final | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Shoaib Akhtar reveals 'turning point' in T20 World Cup final, shares message for Babar Azam's men

Nov 13, 2022 07:22 PM IST

Pakistan missed out on a chance to win their second T20 World Cup title after losing a hard fought final to England at the MCG.

Pakistan made England sweat to chase down a target of 138 in the final of the T20 World Cup but it proved to be too small a total to defend in the end. While fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf made it difficult for England to keep their wickets, Ben Stokes kept calm and led his team over the line. England thus became the first team to hold both the ODI and T20I World Cup titles at the same time.

Pakistan missed out on a chance to win the T20 World Cup title a second time.
Pakistan missed out on a chance to win the T20 World Cup title a second time.

While Pakistan's performances in the initial stages of the tournament, in which they lost to India and Zimbabwe, drew a lot of criticism, the fight they put in the end seems to have won them plaudits. Among those that slammed them earlier was former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar but he offered words of condolences after Sunday's loss.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ALSO READ | After controversial ‘grace’ jibe at Pakistan, Irfan Pathan shares new ‘graceful’ tweet post England’s T20 World Cup win

“You have done a great job. You were standing nowhere and still played the final,” said Shoaib in a video he posted on Twitter. “Pakistan bowling has done well throughout the World Cup. There was some luck but Pakistan have played well and deserved to be there. It's okay. Turning point was Shaheen's (injury), but it's fine. From here, we should not let our heads fall," he said.

Afridi sustained the injury in the 13th over. He returned to bowl the 15th but had to go off the field after bowling the first delivery. Shoaib said that Pakistan can now concentrate on winning the ODI World Cup next year which will be held in India.

“Ben Stokes had conceded sixes in the World Cup and lost the game for England back in 2016 and today, he has got redemption and won it for them. I am standing with you Pakistan, nothing to worry about. I am disappointed and hurt but it's fine. We will stand by you as a nation, relax. We will win the World Cup in India now,” said Shoaib.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and exclusive insights on the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times Website and Apps.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On