“India fixed the game” accusations are trending on social media. India secured a position in the Asia Cup 2023 final by defeating Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 match, but the hosts appeared to be on the verge of a win after the first innings.
Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka ripped through India’s top order, taking 5 wickets.
As India was bowled out for 213 runs, numerous supporters messaged former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, claiming that India had ‘fixed the game’ and were attempting to purposely lose the match.
However, Akhtar responded to the supporters by calling them out on their stupidity.
India fixed the game
“I don’t know what you guys are doing. I am getting memes and messages saying ‘India have fixed the game’, that they are losing deliberately in order to eliminate Pakistan. Are you alright? They (Sri Lanka) are bowling their heart out. Wellalalge and Asalanka bowled their heart out. You saw that 20-year-old kid? He scored 43 runs and took 5 wickets. I am getting phonecalls from India and other countries, saying India were losing deliberately,” Akhtar said in a video on his YouTube channel, hitting out at fans while lauding the fight that Sri Lanka showed in the game.
Akhtar even questioned why India would lose a game where a win would guarantee their place in the final.
The Rawalpindi Express singled out India spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who took four wickets in the game to help his team win.
Also read: Shoaib Akhtar makes fun Pasoori’s Indian version with hilarious tweet
“Why would they lose, tell me? They want to go through to the final. You end up making memes without any reason. It was a great fightback from India. The way Kuldeep played, it was massive. Look at Jasprit Bumrah, look at the fight while defending a small total,” Akhtar said.
“India fixed the game” Shoaib Akhtar responds to accusations:
The Pakistan legend even criticised Babar Azam’s team for the ‘lack of fight’ they showed in the last match against India. He even questioned the fitness of pacers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi
“Wellalage, a 20-year-old kid, is showing fight. He is batting and bowling, doing all he can. Our players (Pakistan) couldn’t show this fight. Our fast bowlers don’t play. When was the last they played 25-30 ODIs at a stretch? Then we expect Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah to deliver 10 overs and not get injured. I want the fight back from Pakistan. This was humiliating,” Akhtar asserted.
With India already through to the final, Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka in their next encounter to secure a position in the title-deciding clash.
