Former Pakistan wicket-keeping batter Kamran Akmal has hit out at Pakistan’s batting performance against Afghanistan despite their 3-0 win in the three-match ODI series, saying the batters should’ve shown more responsibility.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Akmal said in modern-day cricket every batters have to play positively, insisting that the batters should’ve shown more responsibility against Afghanistan. Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 59 runs in the third and final ODI to complete a clean-sweep over their neighbors.

“In modern-day cricket, every batsman has to play positive. If we can’t score 300 against this team, can we do that when we face India in the Asia Cup? It becomes pretty difficult. It was a good practice opportunity for Pakistan team, we got a chance in two games to bat first and put on a big score. The batters should’ve shown more responsibility,” said Akmal.

He went on to say that the batters should not have made the lower-order finish games off for them. Naseem Shah played a heroic knock in the second ODI to guide Pakistan to a narrow one-wicket win in a last-over thriller.

“Yes, you scored 300 in the second game. But batters should’ve finished the game. It was a lower-order who finished the run-chase for you. It’s not a good sign for Pakistan team,” Akmal added.

Following their 3-0 win, Pakistan moved up in the rankings and removed Australia from the top position ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. Mohammad Rizwan was awarded the player of the match, while Imam-ul-Haq bagged the player of the series award.

The team will get a chance to remain at the top spot going into the premier ICC tournament if they can win the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan now have 2725 points, ahead of Australia’s 2714. India are ranked third going into the continental tournament.