KARACHI : Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised India’s bowling attack in their 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 leg of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, questioning the team’s pace, execution and tactical discipline under pressure.

Akhtar cited the performances of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, pointing out that neither bowler offered the kind of menace or control required in a high-stakes knockout scenario. He said South Africa’s batsmen were allowed to settle too easily with erratic throws and inconsistent lengths, which allowed them to form partnerships and accelerate towards the end of the innings.

The former ‘Rawalpindi Express’ claimed that India’s bowling lacks “courage” in the crucial middle overs, which are often the deciding moments in T20 cricket. He noted that the modern T20 competition requires bowlers who can change pace wisely, execute yorkers under pressure, and maintain a tight line to limit boundaries. Instead, he said, India’s attack appeared predictable, allowing South Africa’s hitters to take advantage of both short and overpitched deliveries.

Akhtar suggested that the team management needs to reconsider their bowling combination, especially the balance between all-rounders tasked with controlling momentum and specialist wicket-takers.

His comments have reignited debate among analysts and fans over the balance of India’s bowling and the adaptability of its tactics. While some observers agree that an over-reliance on batting depth may have weakened the bowling unit, others contend the loss was due to overall execution rather than individual lapses.

With the qualifying scenarios tightening in the Super 8 stage, India will need clearer death-over strategies and improved discipline if they hope to bounce back and maintain their semi-final hopes.