'Pakistan players need to learn from Yashasvi Jaiswal's struggles' - Shoaib Akhtar

The Boys in Blue continued with their unprecedented dominance in the 2020 ICC U-19 World Cup by notching up a mammoth ten-wicket win in the semi-finals against arch-rivals Pakistan in Potchefstroom. India looked in total command right from the outset and their planning and the execution were just top-notch.

Bowling first, the Indian pace-bowling duo of Kartik Tyagi and Sushant Mishra tested the Pakistani top-order with short-pitch stuff. Mohammad Huraira was bounced out in the very first over and while Haider Ali and Rohail Nazir did notch up a 50+ partnership, none of them could kick on and convert their respective half-centuries into a substantial score. The Boys in Green lost their last six wickets for 26 runs and were eventually bowled out for 172.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lavished praise on the Indian cricket team while at the same time, he lambasted Pakistan colts for their atrocious fielding and stating that Pakistan did not deserve to reach the final.

“Congratulations to the Pakistan U19 team for reaching the semis. It was a good effort but not good enough to take you to the finals. Pathetic fielding by Pakistan, absolutely pathetic. Despite being U19, you can’t put in dives while fielding? You did not deserve to be in the finals but on the other end congratulations to India for winning the semis,” Shoaib Akhtar stated on his YouTube channel.

Shoaib Akhtar urges Pakistan to seek inspiration from Yashasvi Jaiswal

Defending 173, Pakistan needed to see the back of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal if they were to have any chance of overhauling the famed Indian batting line-up. But, that of-course didn’t turn out to be the ease as the talented southpaw showed calmness years beyond his age and notched up a brilliant three-figure score. Jaiswal’s story is a perfect rags-to-riches tale, and Shoaib Akhtar narrated the hardships faced by the youngster early-on in his career and also urged Pakistani colts to seek lessons from his story.

“India’s boy Jaiswal, he left his village to come to Mumbai and used to sleep in milk dairies. Groundsman told him that I will give you a place in the tent only if you promise that you will come not out tomorrow. He has scored two centuries in U19 and was the highest run-getter in the morning. Jaiswal used to sell pani-puri in the morning. He sold paani-puris to his teammates to have food on his plate.

“Imagine this kind of a guy, who will be street smart and will fight for his place. Rajasthan Royals bought Jaiswal and remember my words that Jaiswal is going to go places. He has the power, passion, on and interest for the game. He will represent the senior team, this a guarantee. Saxena also played well,” added Akhtar.

“Pakistan players need to learn from Jaiswal’s history. He has got Rs 2.5 crore (Rs 2.4 crore) contract from Rajasthan Royals. He is running behind excellence and money is running behind him now,” Akhtar concluded.