Afridi withholds opinion on Pakistan’s performance after loss to Australia

Pakistan suffered a 3-0 series whitewash as Australia clinched an eight-wicket victory in Sydney on Saturday.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi refrained from commenting on Pakistan’s performance following their defeat to Australia. Using the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), Afridi hinted at withholding his opinions regarding Pakistan’s performance but praised Aamer Jamal and expressed admiration for David Warner’s illustrious career.

“Going to reserve my views on our team’s performance but for sure Aamer Jamal is an excellent addition to the side. Congrats Australia on a dominating win, been a fan of never give up mindset. @davidwarner31 congrats on an amazing career and prayers for your future” Afridi wrote on X.

Going to reserve my views on our team’s performance but for sure Aamer Jamal is an excellent addition to the side

Congrats Australia on a dominating win, been a fan of never give up mindset@davidwarner31 congrats on an amazing career and prayers for your future #PAKvsAUS

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 6, 2024

During Warner’s farewell match, he contributed significantly by scoring 57 runs off 75 balls, aiding Australia in comfortably chasing down the target of 130 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 62 further bolstered the home team’s victory, forming a vital partnership of 119 runs with Warner.

Sajid Khan managed to dismiss both Australian openers during their second innings. Pakistan struggled, getting dismissed for 115 runs in their second innings, despite Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal’s 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Jamal scored 18 runs before falling to a catch off Pat Cummins, following Rizwan’s departure for 28 off Nathan Lyon’s delivery.

With Aamer Jamal’s impressive bowling figures of six for 69, Pakistan began their second innings with a slender 14-run lead after restricting Australia to 299 runs in their first innings. However, Australia’s pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood’s 4-16, made a decisive impact, grabbing three wickets in the penultimate over of the day. This left Pakistan struggling at 68-7, holding an 82-run lead.

Pakistan’s poor performance in Australia continued, marking their 17th consecutive Test defeat in the country since their last victory in 1995. The hosts secured the series win in the first two Tests held in Perth and Melbourne before sealing their dominance in the Sydney fixture.