Pakistan has developed as a formidable outfit, according to Aakash Chopra. With multiple match-winners emerging in their first two T20 World Cup 2021 matches.
Pakistan moved to the top of Group 2 after defeating New Zealand by five wickets. In their second Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup. The victory followed a 10-wicket thrashing of Team India in the tournament’s opening match.
“This team is looking as good as gold. In the first match, it was Shaheen Shah Afridi with the ball, and with the bat, it was Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. When the second match came in Sharjah against New Zealand – Haris Rauf comes with the ball, Asif Ali and Shoaib Malik with the bat.” He reasoned
“Of course, Rizwan also contributed but the truth is that Pakistan has won two out of two encounters. They have got six different heroes in two encounters. They have defeated New Zealand and India, it means a semi-final spot is confirmed even if they play to 80% of their potential.” Chopra elaborated
In their remaining Super 12 games, Pakistan will face Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland. They’ll have a good chance of winning Group 2 if they can put it together on all three sides.
Aakash Chopra praised Haris Rauf’s performance against New Zealand while emphasizing Pakistan’s superior seam assault.
“Harif Rauf was absolutely sensational, the way he bowled on a pitch that did not have that much help for the fast bowlers. The ball is hitting the bat at pace, 145 clicks. Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi also bow fast. Pakistan’s pace-bowling factory is back on track.” He explained
The 44-year-old also lavished praise on Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali for bringing Pakistan across the finish line.
Shoaib Malik
“When the team was stuck Shoaib Malik came and said that the price of almonds does not fall because of new peanuts coming into the market. Asif Ali was there along with him, Asif’s hitting was actually the game-changing moment.” Chopra said
When Ali joined Malik in the middle, Pakistan was in a bit of a pickle, needing 48 runs off the last 31 deliveries. As the 2009 champs romped home with eight balls to spare. Ali hammered a couple of vital hits, with Malik joining the party afterward.
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