whatsapp-logo+92 300 859 4219 , +92 300 859 1434

   Cash On Delivery is Available

whatsapp-logo+92 300 859 4219 , +92 300 859 1434

   Cash On Delivery is Available

T20 World Cup: ‘By no means underestimate Pakistan’, warns Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi warned different cricket groups to not “underestimate” the inexperienced shirts as they’ve gifted gamers who can spring just a few surprises within the T20 World Cup.

The field workplace trailblazer of Pakistan’s white ball cricket believes his “unpredictable” nation can summon the spirit of 2009 and win one other T20 World Cup.

Afridi was man of the match in a nail-biting seven-run semi-final win over South Africa within the match 12 years in the past the place he made 51 runs.

He then starred once more within the eight-wicket rout of Sri Lanka within the ultimate at Lord’s the place he smashed an undefeated 54.

Pakistan’s victory got here simply three months after a terror assault on the Sri Lanka staff in Lahore, an incident which sparked a shutdown of worldwide cricket within the nation.

“We had that situation of the Sri Lanka assaults on our minds,” Afridi instructed AFP.

“The entire nation was disenchanted and annoyed in order that win was very a lot wanted.

“The win gave the entire nation happiness and a few unforgettable moments.”

Afridi famously stormed onto the scene in 1996 when he broke the document for the quickest century in ODI cricket, reaching his hundred from 37 balls.

It was a document which stood till 2014.

Afridi, who performed 99 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, thinks current setbacks can once more encourage Babar Azam’s staff within the 2021 T20 showpiece.

A month earlier than the mega-event, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned, apparently believing new board chairman Ramiz Raja would sack them anyway.

Then New Zealand deserted their tour of the nation simply minutes earlier than the primary ODI in Rawalpindi.

Three days later, England additionally withdrew its males’s and ladies’s groups from visiting Pakistan.

“That is Pakistan cricket for you, by no means ever a uninteresting day,” added Afridi ruefully.

“Pakistan can shock any staff on this planet. Rule them out at your peril.”

In his 22-year worldwide profession, Afridi was on the coronary heart of Pakistan’s “topsy-turvy” journey in restricted overs cricket.

Afridi anchored Pakistan’s run to the ultimate within the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, taking 12 wickets which earned him the participant of the match award.

Pakistan, nonetheless, misplaced twice towards arch-rivals India — together with the ultimate.

“Pakistan gave the perfect leisure within the first T20 World Cup,” insists Afridi.

“We misplaced to India within the group match after a bowl-out, which was one thing very new for us.”

Pakistan then misplaced the ultimate with Misbah-ul-Haq falling to an injudicious shot off the third ball of the ultimate over, with simply six wanted for a win.

“Misbah introduced Pakistan into the sport however then we misplaced by the barest of margins,” stated Afridi.

Beneath Afridi, defending champions Pakistan then misplaced within the semi-final of the 2010 version within the Caribbean when Michael Hussey clobbered 39 runs within the final two overs to present Australia an unlikely win.

“T20 fits our character,” added Afridi. “We now have the expertise, method and aggression required for this fast format.

“It’s a format which is liked all through Pakistan. We received towards each staff after which each staff adopted that type.

“Bowling is now filled with selection and new batting methods have developed.”

Afridi insists Pakistan can as soon as once more spring just a few surprises within the UAE.

“The present Pakistan staff could be very gifted though they lack skilled gamers. However, as everyone knows, by no means under-estimate a Pakistan staff!”