Robin Uthappa has picked Pakistan as the favourite against Australia to win the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the match on Thursday, November 11.
Pakistan topped Group 2 winning all their league matches, to make it to the semis. On the other hand, Australia ranked second in Group 1 with four wins in five matches. In a video uploaded on Robin Uthappa’s Koo account, the wicket-keeper batter expressed his thoughts on the upcoming semi-finals clash.
Uthappa asserted that Pakistan will start the game as favourites, but Australia are the dark horses and can beat any team on their day. He said:
“Next up is Pakistan vs Australia. Don’t often say this but Pakistan just might go into this game as favourites. They are the only team that are yet to lose a game in this world cup. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing though.”
“Australia on the other hand, are dark horses and they always know what it takes to win tournaments, especially the ICC trophies. The openers have been in some really good form and with a balanced bowling attack, they can beat any team on their day,” Robin Uthappa said.
#Australia have defied the odds all tournament, can they do it again against Pakistan? @LouisDBCameron #T20WorldCup https://t.co/9USVTSxVod
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 10, 2021
Mohammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik down with the flu, doubtful for semi-finals
Ahead of the semi-finals clash against Australia, the Pakistan cricket team will be nervous as Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik are unwell. The duo misses the training session owing to flu symptoms.
According to a report in Pakistan’s Geo News, both Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik have tested negative for the covid-19 virus. However, they have been advised to rest by the doctor, which jeopardizes their participation in the semis. A final call on the duo’s inclusion will be taken before the match.
Rizwan and Malik have played an instrumental role in Pakistan’s dream run in the tournament so far. The Babar Azam-led team will be hoping that the duo will be available for the match. This is Pakistan’s fifth appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup semifinals, with a championship title in 2009.
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