Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani great and World Cup champion, is noted for his funny and outspoken statements. On Thursday, November 9, when New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka in their last league stage game in Bengaluru, the former left-arm bowler was at his utmost best once again.
Three teams were competing for the fourth semifinal spot before the game: New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Conversely, the New Zealanders are essentially through to another World Cup semifinal.
Pakistan currently faces a very difficult scenario if they are to surpass New Zealand in fourth position. To surpass the Kiwis on net run rate, they must defeat England by a massive margin of 287 runs in their last league encounter in Kolkata.
If England bat first, Pakistan will almost certainly be out from contention for a semifinal position. Wasim Akram, speaking on A Sports, made a witty and caustic remark on Pakistan’s chances, saying:
“Mathematically it is still possible. Pakistan should bat first against England and post runs, then lock the England team in the dressing room and get them timed out.”
Wasim Akram
It was a reference to Shakib Al Hasan’s controversial ‘timed out’ dismissal of Angelo Mathews against Bangladesh in Delhi.
Pakistan’s World Cup Dream Shattered by Missed Opportunities
Pakistan, being a subcontinental nation, was considered one of the favorites to reach the semifinals of the 2023 World Cup in India. They did, however, miss out on certain opportunities that may have turned their campaign around.
Disappointing losses to South Africa and Afghanistan were perhaps the ones that left Pakistan with a lot of catching up to accomplish. They must still believe in miracles and perform admirably against England on Saturday.