Former Pakistan cricketer mocks Babar Azam's surprise declaration in the first Test against New Zealand

The first Test between Pakistan and England at Karachi headed towards a thrilling finish on Day 5 as Pakistan captain Babar Azam declared the innings late in the third session. New Zealand were set a target of 138 in 15 overs which they failed to chase as bad light came into play. Several former cricketers were left shocked with Babar Azam’s decision to declare the innings. Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticised Babar’s move saying it makes him laugh.

While Pakistan could manage to pick only one wicket, captain Babar Azam said that he wanted to take a "chance". After the match, Babar said: "We said we had to go after a result. We took a chance, you never know. It is cricket. Anything can happen."

Akmal hit out at Babar's approach and said "it makes me laugh when people say that was a brave decision to declare".

Akmal further criticised Pakistan’s approach in Test Cricket and advised to prepare bowling-friendly pitches.

"Pakistan's approach in Test cricket has been quite negative, considering the pitches that we have been preparing. While we have used batting-friendly pitches in their last seven home Tests, it is equally important to give our bowlers some confidence," Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

"If your spinners are going to bowl so many overs, how are you going to take 20 wickets? We should consider playing on grassy wickets, as our pacers are quicker than the New Zealand fast bowlers," Akmal added.

New Zealand played a lot better than Pakistan: Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal also heaped praise on New Zealand for playing better than Pakistan in Karachi, saying that the BlackCaps dominated the game despite playing in challenging conditions.

"New Zealand played a lot better than Pakistan. They were playing on a tough pitch and in challenging conditions. But they were still able to dominate," said Akmal.

After losing four consecutive Tests at home, Pakistan finally managed to draw the first Test against New Zealand. With the series at stake, both teams will look to give their all in the field during the second Test starting on 2^nd January in Karachi.