Cricket World Cup 2015: Pakistani Batsmen Aren't Evolving, Says Furious Wasim Akram

Pakistan's batting line-up faltered again. Against Australia, in a big cricket World Cup 2015 quarter-final, the Pakistani batsmen failed to live up to the billing. They got off to a scratchy start, held their own in the middle and then imploded to collapse into their own debris. (Scorecard)

On a bouncy Adelaide track, the openers were supposed to see the new ball out but both Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz Ahmed went fishing and fed catching practice to the Australian slip fielders. Misbah-ul-Haq got into his usual fire-fighting role and with Haris Sohail aimed to steady Pakistan. (Complete World Cup Coverage)

There seemed to be a plan.

However, the plan failed and former Pakistani great Wasim Akram was furious at their batting display.

"There was a plan but when things went against them, Pakistan batsmen were all over," Akram said on STAR Sports.

Akram added: "Plan should have score 200 in 30 overs and then have a go in the last 10 overs. (But) They were losing wickets constantly and that was the end of any strategy."

But that has been the trend with the Pakistani line-up. There has never been a dearth of talent but their temperament has undone their cause over the years now.

At Adelaide again, the young Pakistani batsmen showed no game awareness. All 10 of them were out, caught and three of them were at the deep mid-wicket fence! That says something about their reckless mindset.

Australians bowled well, make no mistake, but the Pakistani batsmen contributed by playing shot that could have well avoided. They tried to hit out of trouble instead of building an innings.

Even Misbah, for once, was guilty of throwing it away. After putting in all the hard work, he went for an ugly heave over the cow-corner and found Aaron Finch, who enjoyed his time in the sun by pouching three catches patrolling the mid-wicket boundary.

Umar Akmal, as usual, failed to deliver on his promise and threw away a good start but Haris Sohail, who looked solid as a rock up-front, should be unhappy with his shot selection.

Mitchell Johnson softened him up with a couple of bouncers and then floated in the gentle half-volley outside the off-stump. Sohail's eyes lit up but his feet refused to cooperate. The booming cover drive was unleased but the ball clipped the outside edge and nestled safely into Brad Haddin's gloves.

No wonder Akram had some harsh words for him.

"He picked out the fastest bowler in the Aussie side", said the former Pakistan skipper. Akram questioned their thinking process and said, "It shows they are not evolving, they are not playing a thinking game."

It was a dismal show from the Pakistani middle and lower order and they have let an opportunity slip. The temperament of their batsmen has raised its ugly head, yet again!