Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is full of praise for India’s bowling lineup following their dominant victory over South Africa. In the match, India defeated South Africa by 243 runs, solidifying their top position in the World Cup 2023 points table. As a result, South Africa now sits in third place on the table.
Despite not taking any wickets, Jasprit Bumrah applied pressure on the South African team with an economy rate of 2.80 in five overs. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Quinton de Kock early in the match, while Mohammed Shami continued his impressive form by taking the wickets of Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram, leaving South Africa struggling at 34-3.
Ravindra Jadeja, also known as Jaddu, tore through the Proteas’ batting lineup, taking five wickets for 25 runs, including the dismissals of David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen. Akhtar expressed his awe at the brilliance of the Indian bowlers, stating that it is time for the world to recognize Indian fast bowlers in the same way they do batsmen. He commended their exceptional performances in the last few matches.
On his YouTube channel, the fast bowler, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express, said, “Credit goes to the bowlers as they are performing brilliantly. It’s high time that you start regarding Indian pace bowlers as you do it for the batters basically. It’s time to celebrate fast bowling in Indian cricket because they have done a wonderful job in the last three to four matches and they are looking apart.”
Akhtar also expressed disappointment with the South African team for their lackluster performance against the Indian bowlers, specifically criticizing captain Temba Bavuma for not taking an attacking approach. He remarked that it was an easy victory for India, as they bowled out South Africa for just 83 runs while setting a target of 327 runs.
Furthermore, Akhtar was not the only one to praise India’s bowlers. Legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram criticized former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza, who claimed that Indian bowlers were using suspicious balls in the ongoing World Cup tournament. Akram warned that such comments could make Pakistan a laughing stock in front of the world.
Raza had expressed surprise at the amount of seam and swing that Indian bowlers were generating, calling for an inspection of the balls being used. He also highlighted India’s successful reviews through the Decision Review System (DRS). However, Akram dismissed Raza’s claims and emphasized the need for Pakistan to avoid embarrassment.
Raza’s comments came after India’s comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka, where they bowled out the opposition for just 55 runs. In that match, Mohammed Shami became India’s leading wicket-taker in World Cup history, taking five wickets, while Mohammed Siraj contributed with crucial dismissals as well.
Overall, India’s bowling performance in recent matches has earned high praise from both Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram, highlighting the team’s dominance and skill in this aspect of the game.
