Wasim Akram, former Pakistan great, reviewed what went wrong for Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been costly at the death, giving 19 runs in the 19th over against Pakistan and 14 in the final over against Sri Lanka.
Tuesday’s Asia Cup was yet another letdown for India as they fell to Sri Lanka in the Super 4 and came dangerously near to being knocked out of the continental competition. India’s captain Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 41-ball 72 was for nothing as the islanders successfully chased down 174 with one ball remaining.
Sri Lanka scored 14 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, virtually winning it for them when they needed 21 runs in 12 balls. If Pakistan defeats Afghanistan on Wednesday, India would be eliminated from the tournament.
Don’t get me wrong but there is no pace: Wasim Akram
Sri Lanka scored 14 runs off the penultimate over delivered by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, nearly sealing the game in their favour. Following the game, former Pakistan great Wasim Akram analyzed what went wrong for Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over.
“Bhuvi is an excellent bowler. Do not get me wrong: there is not one. When you do not have pace in T20, especially on this kind of pitch, he is a medium pacer, maybe even an above medium pacer..135 (kmph). You need a 140 (kmph) + bowler in your lineup, like Jasprit Bumrah.”
“When he joins the squad, you will have two of the best bowlers bowling the final overs. And you will need regular bowlers who can bowl at the last second. You cannot take someone up by the hand. Bowling is impossible if you are not acclimated to the pressure,” Wasim Akram said on Star Sports.
