Srinagar: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has termed Pakistan side as the most ordinary fielding team in the World Cup 2023.
On Monday, Afghanistan stunned Pakistan with a eight-wicket win in Chennai.
Chasing a 283-run target, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286-2 in 49 overs.
Pakistan had made 282-7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan.
Talking to Star Sports after the match, Gambhir said that Pakistan’s fielding is a major concern.
“We have spoken about this in the Asia Cup as well – Pakistan’s fielding. You can have a bad day in bowling or batting, but not in fielding. This has been going on since the Asia Cup and the department has still not improved. I believe Pakistan are the most ordinary fielding team in this World Cup,” Gambhir said.
“They are struggling in spin bowling. On this wicket, where there was no dew and there was help for the spinners, none of the three spinners could pick up a single wicket. That is the second concern”.
“Cricket has moved on. Cricket is not the same as it was in the 1990s or 2011, where you score 270 or 280 runs and think that your bowling will defend that. Two new balls, flat wickets, five fielders within the circle, you will have to play proactive and attacking cricket.”