Pakistan top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has questioned the decision to play all-rounder Faheem Ashraf instead of fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain in the tri-nation ODI series final against New Zealand.
The Kiwi side outclassed Pakistan in the tri-nation series final as they chased the 243-run target at the loss of five wickets with 28 balls to spare at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.
After the loss, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official YouTube channel and criticised Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bat first.
“Pakistan’s bubble has burst ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Shehzad.
“It was a mind-boggling decision [to bat first] because we had seen in the previous match that the pitch becomes better for batting at night.
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“The ball doesn’t grip the surface for spinners. Still, the Pakistan team decided to bat first. Brainless decision—no clue.”
The 33-year-old also slammed the team selection, criticising the ‘safe’ approach to strengthen batting at the expense of a specialist pacer.
“Pakistan captain wants to play safe with batting—whether it’s being a spinner short in the Champions Trophy squad or, in this match,” he stated.
“Playing [bowling all-rounder] Faheem Ashraf to strengthen the batting lineup at the expense of [fast bowler] Mohammad Hasnain, yet still using Ashraf for just two overs.
“In a final, you are making childish decisions… making so many mistakes in matches. You get a chance to win only when the opposition performs below par or doesn’t have their main players available.”
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