Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was not impressed with Australia’s David Warner being awarded the player of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The opener also starred in the final giving the Aussie much-needed impetus in the run chase with a timely half-century.
Although the southpaw was dismissed shortly after reaching the 50, he had done his job by them which helped Australia lift their maiden ICC T20 World Cup. David Warner mustered 289 runs from seven matches at an average of 48.16 including three half-centuries and scores of 89*, 49, and 53 in the last three matches.
However, Shoaib Akhtar was not entirely on board with Warner walking away with the Player of the tournament honour and believes Pakistan captain Babar Azam was deserving of the award. Taking to Twitter, the former cricket wrote:
“Was really looking forward to see @babarazam258 becoming Man of the Tournament. Unfair decision for sure.”
Was really looking forward to see @babarazam258 becoming Man of the Tournament. Unfair decision for sure.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 14, 2021
Incidentally, Pakistan captain Babar Azam finished as the highest run-scorer in the competition, scoring 303 runs from six innings at an average of 60. However, what went against Babar was his below-par strike rate and often ate too many balls at the top-order putting pressure on the batters to follow.
Just wanted to put on a great spectacle for everyone – David Warner
The 35-year-old opener came into this ICC T20 World Cup on the back of some poor run in the recently concluded IPL 2021. Sunrisers Hyderabad left him out of the playing XI and it looked like David Warner and his team were not on the same page.
However, Warner was in his element when the mega event started and finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the competition. Speaking at the end of the game, David Warner said:
“Always felt really well. Didn’t get much time in the middle in the two practice matches obviously. But for me it was about going back to basics. Going to hard, synthetic wickets and try to hit some balls. Definitely up there with 2015. Being part of the World Cup final against England a decade ago definitely hurt. These guys are a great bunch of guys. Great support staff, great team, great support back home. Just wanted to put on a great spectacle for everyone. Bit of nerves around with a good score on the board. Just great to see the guys deliver.”
Get the latest update on T20 World Cup and other cricket news. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.