India defeated Pakistan on Sunday in the last over thriller in the Asia Cup 2022. Chasing the target of 148, Hardik Pandya starred with the bat and bowl, while Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli played their parts in the chase. However, Pakistan’s legend Inzamam-ul-Haq was disappointed with Kohli’s approach to his innings.
The former Indian captain, who was making a comeback to cricket after a short break, was looking scratchy at the start of the innings. There were a few inside edges and outside edges at the beginning, but the veteran batter gradually started to pick up the pace with some classy boundaries. However, Kohli was dismissed on 35 failing to convert the start into a big score.
On the first delivery of the 10th over, the ace batter came charging down to the tossed-up delivery from Mohammed Nawaz, but neither went for a proper loft nor looked to play it along the ground. Thus, the mishit went straight to long-off’s throat.
Former Pakistan captain, speaking on his YouTube channel, felt Virat, during his innings, did not appear confident even after getting set. The former batter also questioned India’s decision to bench Rishabh Pant.“There was a lot of pressure on Kohli yesterday. Usually, it is difficult to dismiss a set batter, but I was surprised to see yesterday that Kohli was not looking confident even after getting set,” Inzamam said.
“India’s middle order and lower middle order is very strong. That is what sets them apart from the other teams in this Asia Cup. I was surprised that India chose to bench Rishabh Pant. The combination of Pant, Pandya, and Jadeja is very dangerous. It was difficult to chase down 11 runs an over on this pitch, but they played really well,” he added.
The 52-year-old advised Pakistan management to find specialist batters for positions four and five. He also mentioned the need for a pace-bowling all-rounder in the Men in Green’s playing XI.
“The selection committee and the management should do something about the middle order. The team seems to crumble after Fakhar Zaman gets out at No.3. They need to find proper solid batters for No.4 and No.5 spots. Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah are better suited in the lower middle order,” he added.
“Pakistan need to play an all-rounder. I felt that Pakistan lacked a pace-bowling all-rounder yesterday. It would have been easier for Babar Azam,, he would have had an option for the final over. A captain should have at least six bowling options when it comes to T20 cricket,” the Pakistan legend concluded.
