In the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik commended Afghanistan’s exceptional performance, highlighting the team’s superior cricket skills compared to Pakistan.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan secured four victories in the league stage, marking an impressive campaign. While Afghanistan concluded their journey in the World Cup, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, retains a mathematical opportunity to reach the much-coveted semifinals.
Afghanistan’s performance in the tournament surpassed expectations by securing victories against three former World Cup champions: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England. This stood in stark contrast to their performance in the previous two editions.
Speaking to A Sports, Malik acknowledged Afghanistan’s superiority in the tournament compared to Pakistan, acknowledging their remarkable cricket performance.
“Afghanistan played better cricket than us. In my opinion, if we are just sticking with this World Cup, then yes, Afghanistan has played better cricket than us,” said Shoaib Malik.
Wasim Akram, the legendary pacer, concurred with Malik, indicating that fatigue might have affected the Pakistani team due to their continuous cricket engagements. Akram echoed that Afghanistan exhibited a stronger performance, surpassing Pakistan’s level in the current tournament.
“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.
The Babar Azam-led team faces the defending champion, England, in their last league stage match at Kolkata’s Eden Garden. Their road to the semi-finals depends on a substantial victory of 287 runs against Jos Buttler’s team.
As the tournament’s excitement peaks, Afghanistan’s remarkable journey and Pakistan’s aspirations will further intensify the competitive spirit in cricket’s most prestigious event.
