The Pakistan cricket group’s hopes of qualifying for the Asia Cup 2023 closing of the event had been shattered as Sri Lanka emerged triumphant within the digital semi-final match on Thursday. Pakistan had been hopeful of securing a date with India within the title-decider however Charith Asalanka stored his nerves below management within the final moments to information Sri Lanka to victory. Seeing Babar Azam‘s males being eradicated from the event, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar rued the truth that a chance for a first-ever Indo-Pak closing within the Asia Cup was misplaced.

Shoaib Akhtar was stuffed with reward for Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan who was drafted into the group after accidents to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Zaman did not decide a single wicket within the match and conceded 39 runs in 6 overs. Yet, he impressed Akhtar along with his efficiency.

“You’ve seen the match. Pakistan are out of the tournament. The match that was made in favour of Pakistan, was all done by Zaman Khan. He landed the day before yesterday and this boy did excellent bowling in the Pakistan Super League. Whatever chances Pakistan had of winning the match were all because of him. Shaheen Afridi also got a few wickets but credit goes to Zaman. He bowled really well,” Akhtar stated in a video on his YouTube channel.

Embarrassing loss. Really dissatisfied .
Wake up name guys!!! pic.twitter.com/qDtQWM7YJJ

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 14, 2023

The Rawalpindi Express additionally felt that Pakistan deserved to qualify for the ultimate. But, he additionally admitted that Sri Lanka had been higher on the day.

“Pakistan deserved to win go to the Asia Cup final but they are out of the tournament. They can be criticised a lot as they were touted as the ‘favourites’ but are out of the tournament now. Unfortunately, there can’t be a Pakistan vs India match in the final, it has never happened (kabhi Pakistan, India ka match (final) ho nahi sakta, kabhi hua nahi). This was the chance but Sri Lanka deserved to be the finalists. They were the far better team,” he opined.

A heartbroken Shoaib Akhtar termed the loss ’embarrassing’ and requested Babar’s males to drag up their socks for the ODI World Cup that begins subsequent month.

“Having said that, this is a very embarrassing loss. The fact that Pakistan are out of the tournament, doesn’t look nice. Pakistan have a lot to think about. The captaincy needs to sharpen up a bit. I am very disappointed. Can’t say more,” he concluded.