Kamran Akmal
Kamran Akmal says “Pakistan openers need to be more aggressive” in T20 World Cup 2021
In the T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes his country’s openers need to be more proactive when it comes to scoring in the powerplay overs.
However, Pakistan beat the West Indies by seven wickets in their first warm-up match but lost by six wickets against South Africa in the second. Mohammad Rizwan scored 13 and 19 points in both games, respectively. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s opening partner, scored 50 off 41 against the Windies before getting removed for 15 off 12 against the Proteas.
When asked about Pakistan’s opening partnership, Akmal believes they would need to boost the ante early in their innings.
“Pakistan scored 186 against a top-quality South African attack in the second warm-up match. But Pakistan’s openers need to be a little more aggressive. If that happens, the team will be in better shape. The way they have batted in the warm-ups shows that they can chase even 180 with this line-up if they plan things in a proper manner.” he said
The middle and lower orders batted admirably in the match against South Africa, according to Akmal.
Shoaib Malik
“In the first six overs against South Africa, there were not many runs. But, the other batters made up for it. Shoaib Malik batted well and it was good that Asif Ali got a chance to bat. He smashed 32 off 18, this is exactly what Pakistan needs from their No. 6. The fifth and sixth position in T20s is very significant.” He elaborated
Therefore, Responding to Pakistan’s 186 for 6. Thus, South Africa got home by six wickets as Rassie van der Dussen smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 balls.
When it comes to Pakistan’s bowling, Akmal believes that while leg-spinner Shadab Khan would need to pick up wickets, pacer Shaheen Afridi will need to improve his economy rate.
“In the bowling, Pakistan needs to get wickets in the middle. Shadab Khan’s performance will be crucial. He needs to take wickets. Shaheen’s (Afridi) economy has been on the higher side in the last few games. He needs to work on that. No doubt he is a good bowler but in the last few games, he has been a bit costly. Hasan Ali is in good rhythm but Haris Rauf has again been expensive. We have options to utilize a few players but it’s time to deliver.” he said
Shadab went wicketless in both matches, while Afridi took 2 for 41 against the West Indies and 2 for 30 against South Africa. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf have had a shaky start to their careers. They each took two wickets against the Windies, but their numbers against the Proteas were 0/52 (4 overs) and 0/33 (3 overs).
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