IND vs PAK – Shoaib Akhtar Reacts to Pakistan’s Defeat in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Virat Kohli’s brilliant century helped India secure a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with 45 balls to spare. After struggling with form in recent matches, Kohli made a strong comeback, scoring a century and leading India to victory. He sealed the win with a boundary, completing his 51st ODI century in the process.
In this high-stakes match, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. However, India’s bowlers put on a clinical display, dismissing the entire Pakistani team for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.
India’s Bowling Performance
- Kuldeep Yadav: 3 wickets for 40 runs (9 overs)
- Mohammed Siraj: 2 wickets for 31 runs (8 overs)
- Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, and Axar Patel: 1 wicket each
India successfully chased the target in 43.3 overs, losing only four wickets.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Reaction to Pakistan’s Defeat
Following Pakistan’s loss, many Pakistani cricket fans expressed disappointment. However, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar stated that he was not surprised by the outcome.
“I was not surprised by this result because our team was weak. There were mistakes in team management,” Akhtar said.
“I Am Not Disappointed” – Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Pakistan’s Team Management
Shoaib Akhtar further explained:
“I am not disappointed with the result of the India-Pakistan match because I expected this outcome. Pakistan’s team management failed to even select five proper bowlers. While many teams today play with six bowlers, Pakistan went into the match with just two all-rounders. This loss is a result of poor decision-making by the management. So, what can we say about the players? They are simply following the management’s approach.”
The former fast bowler also criticized the lack of aggression and skills in the Pakistani players:
“Due to poor team management, the players did not know what to do. They lacked aggression and proper skills. Our batsmen failed to play with the same discipline and composure as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. Instead, they played reckless shots at the wrong time. Indian batsmen did not make those mistakes.”
Akhtar strongly blamed the team management for Pakistan’s defeat, saying:
“The team management sent their players onto the field without any clear strategy or planning. The players were confused and lacked direction. Once again, I say I am disappointed—not with the players, but with the team management.”
