Published: Sept 12, 2022

Source: GOAL

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Inzamam ul Haq criticizes Pakistan's approach in Asia Cup, points out flaws

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Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq reckons that Pakistan's flaws were visible during the Asia Cup 2022 as the team lost to Sri Lanka in the tournament final on Sunday, September 11. Inzamam also highlighted the importance of strike rate in the shortest format of the game while reserving special praise for Sri Lanka batters Bhanuka Rajapakse and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Pakistan were touted as one of the favorites to win the 2022 Asia Cup alongside arch-rivals India but they won only one group game and two Super 4 games to qualify for the final, only to falter in the summit clash.
 

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the summit clash on Sunday night to clinch the Asia Cup crown after 2014, their sixth overall. Batting first, Sri Lanka were reduced to 67 for 5 but made a brilliant turnaround riding on Rajapaksha (71 off 45 balls) and Wanindu Hasaranga (36 off 21 balls) to reach a competitive 170 for 6.
 

"Hasaranga scored 31 and Rajapaksa scored 71. Those were two great knocks. The pace at which the runs and the situation from which the runs were made was a great sight. Had the 70 runs come at a slower pace, the total would only have been around 140, which Pakistan would have chased down. So, that 70 runs would have been of no use," Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.

Inzamam further criticized Pakistan for letting Sri Lanka off the hook after having reduced them to 58-5 at one stage of the game.

"All of Sri Lanka's pacers are newcomers, none of them are experienced, but they have come having done their homework. Pakistan played well in the tournament, but not very well. Many of their flaws were on show. They could not capitalize on the pressure, which helped them reduce Sri Lanka to 58/5 at one stage of the game," Inzamam added.