Summary Pakistan bowled England out for just 211, in an era where 300 is considered ODI par score
CARDIFF, United Kingdom (AFP) - Waqar Younis slammed a suggestion by England captain Eoin Morgan that a used pitch had been responsible for their downfall after Pakistan thrashed the tournament hosts by eight wickets in a dramatically one-sided Champions Trophy semi-final at Cardiff on Wednesday.
Pakistan bowled England out for just 211, in an era where 300 is considered a one-day international par score , after captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and fielded.
They then cruised to their victory target finishing on 215 for two with a massive 77 balls to spare.
"Coming from Edgbaston which was a good wicket to a used wicket, we didn t adapt very well," Morgan told Sky Sports.
That prompted Pakistan fast-bowling great Waqar to tweet: "Stop giving that lame excuse Eoin Morgan regarding the used pitch,,,,You guys been thrashed fair n square by Pakistan #CT2017 #PakvsEng."
Stop giving that lame excuse Eoin Morgan regarding the used pitch,,,,You guys been thrashed fair n square by Pakistan #CT2017 #PakvsEng
— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) June 14, 2017
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara also expressed similar opinions saying, "Nothing wrong with the pitch in Cardiff. Team Pakistan adapted better and played better. Comprehensive win over England."
Nothing wrong with the pitch in Cardiff. @TheRealPCB adapted better and played better. Comprehensive win over england.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 14, 2017
Pakistan had played in Cardiff on Monday, beating Sri Lanka in what was a virtual quarter-final, and Morgan added: "Pakistan did that (adapt) extremely well and full credit to them.
"They outplayed us today on this wicket. I don t think we were simply used to it. We did prepare like we were going to play on a used wicket," said the former Ireland batsman.
"Pakistan bowled well but we didn t manage to adjust with the bat. Two hundred isn t a competitive score."
Pakistan could face arch-rivals India in Sunday s final at the Oval if the title-holders beat Bangladesh in Thursday s second semi-final at Edgbaston.
