CAPE TOWN – Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi says Pakistan’s performance against India on Sunday was “a painful watch indeed”, and that the batting was “clueless”.
Coach Mickey Arthur, though, is defiant and says Pakistan have not regressed under his guidance, saying that’s a “total insult”.
Regardless, the 1992 world champions have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid being knocked out of the Champions Trophy by South Africa on Wednesday at Edgbaston (2.30pm start).
The Proteas dispatched Sri Lanka with ease in their opening game, even though AB de Villiers’ side were still shifting through the gears.
How Pakistan must wish leg-spinner Imran Tahir did not have to go all the way to South Africa to find love, for the former Pakistani is easily the most lethal slow bowler in one-day cricket today.
Tahir will once again be the show-stopper in this crucial match in Birmingham, with the 38-year-old’s spell undoubtedly set to have a major bearing on the outcome.