‘Why did you send such a team?’ – Rashid Latif lashes out at Pakistan following humiliating T20I series loss against Afghanistan

Rashid Latif. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The ongoing T20I series between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be seen taking a humiliating turn for the visitors. Led by Shadab Khan, Pakistan went into the series with a relatively inexperienced side as they took on an unpredictable Afghanistan line-up.

The first match of the T20I series saw Pakistan scoring only 92 runs in 20 overs after a dismal batting performance. Afghanistan had an easy ride-through in the second innings as they chased the target down in the 18th over of the game, taking the first lead of the series.

As Pakistan looked to level the series in the second game, their plans were hindered by an exceptional spell by Fazalhaq Farooqi who took two wickets and conceded just 19 runs in four overs. After Pakistan scored 130 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan came in to put up a steady chase, clinching a win in the second game to claim the series.

Following their humiliating series loss, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif came forward to give his take on Pakistan’s performance in the series. He brought in ICC’s code of conduct to the discussion and said that Pakistan shouldn’t have sent such a weak team.

“Did we go there to lose? It is written in the ICC code of conduct and anti-corruption code that you can’t play a weak team who you already know can lose. Why did you send such a team?”  Latif was quoted as saying by The News International.

“A lot of people already predicted a 3-0 result against Pakistan. How can you sideline your main players suddenly? If you want to run cricket like this, then go ahead,” he added.

Pakistan will look to avoid further humiliation in third T20I

Having already lost the series, Shadab Khan-led Pakistan will be desperate to avoid further humiliation as they take on Afghanistan for the third and final T20I on Monday, March 27 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

On the other hand, Afghanistan would be keen on registering a clean sweep which will be a historic moment for Rashid Khan’s side.

Both countries are locking horns in the neutral venue of UAE which had earlier served as Pakistan’s home venue before Pakistan was re-instated as a cricketing venue by the cricket community. In such a case, contrary to how things stand, Pakistan was expected to have a better knowledge of the conditions which they could leverage for their benefit.