Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has praised Mohammad Abbas’ outstanding performance in the Centurion Test against South Africa, calling it a “slap in the face” of those who kept him out of the national team for three years.
Akmal lauded Abbas’ six-wicket haul in the second innings, calling it a career-defining achievement. “His bowling has silenced his critics,” Akmal said, adding that Abbas’ performance highlighted his resilience and disproved those who had sidelined him, making it an unforgettable moment.
While appreciating Pakistan’s competitive spirit, Akmal noted the team’s narrow loss by two wickets, suggesting that better support from the other bowlers could have changed the outcome.
Former pacer Mohammad Amir also expressed his frustration over Abbas’ exclusion. On social media platform X, Amir criticized past coaching decisions, stating, “It took Abbas three years to make a comeback—a slap in their faces.” Despite Abbas’ impressive efforts, Pakistan fell short as South Africa chased down a modest target of 121 runs to secure a dramatic fourth-day victory.
