The Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar has expressed disappointment at the failure of Lahore Qalandars in the final of the HBL PSL-V against Karachi Kings. 

According to Shoaib, the Lahore batters didn’t play sensible cricket when they found out about the double-paced track of the National Stadium Karachi. He was also surprised with the decision of batting first on such a track.

“I was surprised by Lahore Qalandars’ decision to bat first after winning the toss. When a match goes to the later stages, dew becomes an important factor. Lahore should have played run-a-ball if their batsmen weren’t able to hit the ball. They should have scored quicker by running between the wickets. That is called sensible cricket which they didn’t play,” Akhtar said.

Tamim Iqbal and Fakhar Zaman had a good steady start to the innings as they crossed the 60-run mark, but the following batters couldn’t capitalize on it. Akhtar also criticized the captaincy credentials of Sohail Akhtar.

“Their first bad decision was to bat first. They had momentum but couldn’t carry it. Their batsmen failed to hit at crucial times. It was easier to bat in the second innings. They played in typical Qalandars style. Sohail Akhtar, nothing against him, but he is not cut out for captaincy. You need to bring in a better captain. Again congratulations for playing in the final but they have missed a big opportunity,” he added.

Akhtar congratulated the Kings on their maiden PSL title and lauded the match-winning knock from Babar Azam in the Grand Finale.

“Congratulations to Karachi Kings. They showed that they are a sensible side. Babar Azam has also proved critics wrong who claimed that he wasn’t a match-winner. Babar is Mickey Arthur’s find. Babar showed how to finish a match during the PSL 5 final,” he said.