Published 17:05 IST, September 13th 2023
Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan fans on the claims of 'fixed' match between IND vs SL
With India being dismissed for 213 runs, some fans reached out to former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, suggesting that India might have "fixed the game".
India secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final after triumphing over Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 encounter, although the first innings had initially painted a different picture. Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage exhibited an exceptional performance by dismantling India's top order and claiming five wickets. With India being dismissed for 213 runs, some fans reached out to former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, suggesting that India might have "fixed the game" to intentionally lose it to prevent Pakistan from qualifying.
3 things you need to know
- India beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs to qualify for the final of Asia Cup 2023
- The winner of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match will face India in the final
- India are the current defending champions of the 50-over Asia Cup
Also Read: IND Vs SL: Virat Kohli, Rohit And Dunith Wellalage Attain New Feats, List Of Records Made
Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistani fans for spreading false information
In response, Shoaib Akhtar vehemently refuted such claims, questioning the logic of why India would deliberately lose a match that would guarantee their place in the final. Akhtar also commended India's spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his pivotal four-wicket haul, which turned the tide in his team's favor. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed by taking two wickets each to their names. Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Siraj secured one scalp apiece for India.
"I have no idea what you are doing. I keep receiving jokes and memes claiming that India has fixed the game and is purposefully losing. Are you okay? Sri Lanka is bowling with all of their might. Wellalalge and Asalanka gave it their all when bowling. Did you notice the 20-year-old boy? He took 5 wickets and scored 42 runs. I am getting phone calls from India and other countries, saying India were losing deliberately," Akhtar claimed.
"Tell me why they would lose. They want to make it to the final. You wind up creating memes for whatever reason. India made a fantastic comeback. It was huge the way Kuldeep played. Look at Jasprit Bumrah and the struggle to defend a small target," he added.
The Pakistani cricket legend did not hold back in criticizing Babar Azam's team for what he perceived as a "lack of fight" displayed in their previous match against India. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the fitness of Pakistan's pacers, namely Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. As India has already secured a spot in the final, Pakistan's path to the title-deciding contest hinges on their ability to defeat Sri Lanka in their upcoming match, as they vie for the second spot in the tournament's final showdown.
Image: Instagram/ShoaibAkhtar/AP
Updated 17:05 IST, September 13th 2023