Shahid Afridi’s Insights on Pakistan’s Prospects at T20 World Cup
The 2009 T20 World Cup champions, Pakistan, have included five top-notch fast bowlers in their 15-player squad for the ninth edition of the tournament. The team’s pace attack will be led by left-armer Shaheen Afridi, with Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Amir providing ample support.
Former star all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, is optimistic about Pakistan’s chances at this year’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, thanks to the depth in the fast-bowling ranks.
Shahid Afridi pins his hopes on Pakistan at the T20 World Cup
“I believe no cricket team in the world has such a robust bowling line-up,” Afridi confidently stated. “All our four fast bowlers are highly skilled, and even the bowlers on the bench, like Abbas Afridi, possess a good slower ball.”
“If these skilled players enter this World Cup against world-class batters, they will perform well. All the players will also carry a huge responsibility,” he added.
Pakistan finished as runners up at the most recent edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. Afridi believes the team can at least match that effort this time around.
“I am confident that Pakistan should make it to the final,” he said. “The conditions in West Indies and USA suit our team.”
Match Highlights: Pakistan beat New Zealand by seven wickets to seal their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 final.
“Our team’s spinners are outstanding. They might not be in form currently, but I am confident they will bounce back. Our fast bowling attack is incredible, and we have great strength in batting,” Afridi stated.
“The only concern I have is the strike rate of our batters, especially during the seventh to thirteenth over phase. I hope that the strike rate improves in that phase. In terms of runs per over, eight or nine runs are needed, but Pakistan remains my favourite,” he added.
While Afridi was hesitant to single out one player as the key to Pakistan’s success, he acknowledged that captain Babar Azam must lead from the front.
“All players in the team are important. But if you look at the recent performances, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan – all play a crucial role and will be key for Pakistan at the World Cup,” he said.
“But if I had to pick one, I would pick the captain Babar Azam, because he is the leader. I want him to perform well and make timely decisions which will lead the team to victory,” Afridi concluded.