Former Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has criticised all-rounder Saim Ayub for his ‘baby-cradling’ celebration after dismissing India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi during the match.
Saim dismissed Suryavanshi in the third over before celebrating with a gesture resembling the rocking of a baby. The celebration also drew criticism from some fans on social media. The Pakistan all-rounder then dropped catches of Abhishek Sharma and India captain Shreyas Iyer in the fifth over. Abhishek went on to score 61 runs, while Iyer made 21.
At that stage, India were 63 for two before eventually posting a formidable 211 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Saim also conceded 47 runs in his four overs, while he managed only 29 runs off 21 balls with the bat.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad questioned Pakistan’s recent performances against India and criticised Saim for failing to make the most of his opportunities. “You are the ones who have created this situation. You should be doing this, or the world should be doing this. Just as the world has treated you like a child, India has treated you like a child in cricket,” Shehzad said.
“You lost your fourth or fifth match against them. You don’t show a fighting spirit, and you don’t complete your bowling action. What have you actually done? Saim Ayub neither knows how to bat well nor how to bowl well,” he added. Shehzad also highlighted Saim’s dropped catch of Abhishek Sharma, stressing the importance of making the most of opportunities at the international level. “Catches are crucial. You dropped Abhishek Sharma’s catch and gave him a lifeline. You embarrassed all of Pakistan. You lost. If you get an opportunity, you must perform well and make it count,” he said.