After Pakistan's 62-run defeat to Australia in the 18th match of the ICC World Cup 2023, former Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi had some words of praise and advice for the team. He specifically commended Shaheen Shah Afridi for his performance, taking five wickets, and urged Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, to step up his game.
Taking to his Twitter account, the former skipper shared his thoughts, stating, "Improved line and length today and a great 5fer by @iShaheenAfridi. Strong opening by @imabd28 & @ImamUlHaq12, but the team lost. I expect @babarazam258 to exhibit during this WC, the world-class finisher that he is. #CWC23."
The Pakistani team faced early challenges in both their bowling and fielding against Australia, but their bowlers made a strong recovery and managed to limit the Australians to 368 runs, which was initially expected to be much higher.
The opening batsmen, Imamul Haq and World Cup 2023 debutant Abdullah Shafique, got Pakistan off to an impressive start with a 134-run partnership. However, the Australian team successfully contained the Green Shirts, limiting them to a total of 305 runs in 45.3 overs.
Australian spin bowler, Adam Zampa, played a pivotal role in securing crucial wickets in consecutive overs.
Pakistan's defeat to five-time champions Australia marked their second consecutive loss in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, with the match taking place at Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Captain Babar Azam shared insights into the reasons behind this loss.