England Takes Lead in T20 Series Against Pakistan
In the second Twenty20 match of the series, England secured a decisive victory over Pakistan, taking a 1-0 lead. The series, currently being played in England, initially saw the first match canceled due to rain. However, England’s performance in the second match showcased their dominance, leaving Pakistan with much to ponder. Batting first, England set a challenging target of 184 runs, thanks to a stellar innings from captain Jos Buttler, who scored 84 off 51 balls, and Will Jacks, who added 37 runs. Pakistan struggled in their chase, ultimately falling short by 23 runs, with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman’s efforts proving insufficient against England’s formidable bowling attack.
Kamran Akmal Criticizes Team Selection
Following the defeat, former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal voiced his criticism regarding the selection practices of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Akmal accused captain Babar Azam of favoritism, alleging that Babar only selects close colleagues for the team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal condemned the so-called “Yari Dosti” (cronyism) approach, which he believes undermines the team’s performance. He emphasized the need for merit-based selection, highlighting the exclusion of talented players like Abrar Ahmed as particularly unjust. According to Akmal, such practices contribute to Pakistan’s consistent losses and are detrimental to the team’s overall success.
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Match Highlights and Analysis
Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first but struggled to contain England’s batting lineup. Jos Buttler’s aggressive 84 runs off 51 balls set the tone, supported by Will Jacks’ 37 runs. Pakistan’s response was lackluster, with captain Babar Azam scoring 32 runs off 26 balls and Fakhar Zaman adding 45 off 21 balls. Despite these contributions, Pakistan’s innings fell apart, managing only 160 runs in 19.2 overs. England’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, leading to a comprehensive win. The result has put Pakistan on the back foot in the series, with former players and fans alike calling for significant changes in team strategy and selection to improve future performances.
