Pakistan cricket great Wasim Akram didn't mince words in showing his dismay with the side's showing in the Asia Cup final, holding pacer Haris Rauf accountable for his downfall. Akram called Rauf "a run machine as a bowler" after his expensive spell against India.
India completed their third successive Asia Cup victory over arch-enemies Pakistan, routing them in the final on Sunday to lift their ninth title. Rauf, who has been in the news for his on-field movements, once again attracted criticism after allowing 50 runs in 3.5 overs, including Rinku Singh's runs which gave India the win.
Talking to the official broadcasters after the game, Akram did not spare words about Rauf's consistent problems against India.
"He's sadly a run machine as a bowler, and particularly against India. I'm not blaming him. The entire nation is blaming him, and he does not play red-ball cricket. He's not going to get better. If he doesn't play, you don't have a player in your squad who does not want to play red-ball cricket. At least play four or five first-class matches," Akram told Sony Sports.
He further elaborated that Rauf's inexperience at the red-ball level has illled him to deal with situations of pressure.
"The control is not there because he does not play red-ball cricket. PCB needs to sit down and reflect, if you do not play red-ball cricket, thank you very much. You need to work on your length, and his run-up—he's not that smooth. I was discussing with Waqar (Younis), and I asked, why has he not corrected the run-up in the last four or five years that he has been playing? He said he does not play red-ball cricket," Akram explained.
However, Tilak Varma played a pressure of stroke-play of 69 not out to lead India to five-wicket victory against Pakistan and their ninth Asia Cup championship.
