The Pakistan cricket team was no match to Afghanistan in the Cricket World Cup 2023 on Monday, suffering an 8-wicket loss. Be it the batting unit or the bowling unit, none clicked for Babar Azam's men as the Afghans secured their first-ever victory over Pakistan in an ODI match. From batting, bowling to fielding, Pakistan produced a below-par performance in all three departments, leaving much to be desired. However, seeing some using pacer Naseem Shah's absence as an excuse, India great Virender Sehwag slammed Pakistan on social media.
Naseem Shah hasn't featured for Pakistan since injuring himself in the Asia Cup 2023. While he wasn't available for selection, other marquee pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf performed way below expectations, much to the disappointment of the Pakistan team management.
"Pakistan is an unpredictable side but the way they have been making lame excuses for their earlier defeats, this was certainly on the cards. Just did not focus on their many weaknesses. What a proud day for Afghanistan came close many times, but today crossed the line," Shewag wrote on X (formerly Twitter), hitting out at the Pakistan team.
Sehwag wasn't alone. Even former India opener Aakash Chopra criticised the men from across the border for the excuse.
Chopra took to X and wrote, "Naseem Shah is a damn good bowler. No doubt about it. But using his absence as an excuse for losing three matches in a row is a cop-out. People from Pakistan on this platform need to ask questions to the PCB instead. Finished fourth in the Asia Cup. Now, the World Cup. How did it come to this?"
With three defeats in 5 matches, Pakistan's semi-final hopes are hanging in balance.