Sarfaraz ignores Imran’s advice to bat first

Pakistan Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan had tweeted that the current Pakistan Sarfaraz must choose to bat first if they win the toss. Sarfaraz ignored that advice and India piled up the runs with Rohit Sharma blazing to a 113-ball 140 and Virat Kohli hitting 77 in the World Cup match between the arch rivals at Manchester today.

“In order to have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because "Raillu Kattas" rarely perform under pressure - especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat,” Imran tweeted earlier today.

India batsman were dismissive of Pakistan’s bowling from the off and except Mohammad Amir, no one really made a mark. The left-armer bagged two wickets for 34 runs in eight overs. The conditions at the beginning perhaps gave the impression that there will be help for the bowlers but India reached 336 for five in 50 overs. India have the runs on the board and Pakistan will be under pressure when they chase that target.

Imran had conceded that India are the favourites to win but suggested that Pakistan played without fear.

“Finally, even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball. Then accept whatever the result like true sportsmen. The nation's prayers are with all of you. Good Luck,” he wrote.

Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar criticised Sarfaraz Ahmed's decision of choosing to bowl first against India in a tweet.

According to Akhtar, Sarfaraz might have made the same mistake which Indian skipper Virat Kohli had made in the final of Champions Trophy 2017.