Former India player turned famous commentator Aakash Chopra has said that Pakistan has emerged as a formidable team with several match-winners stepping up in their first two matches of the T20 World Cup 2021 so far.
Notably, Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets in their second Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup to move to the top of Group 2 as well. However, they registered a convincing 10-wicket win over India in their first game as well.
Batting consultant Matthew Hayden, fielding coach Abdul Majeed and bowling consultant Vernon Philander speak to the players after Pakistan's emphatic five-wicket win over New Zealand in the #T20WorldCup match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.#WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/Xk71C13N4a
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 26, 2021
While reviewing the Pakistan-New Zealand match in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “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.”
“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,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
Haris Rauf was absolutely sensational – Aakash Chopra
Pakistan's blazing form continues 🔥#T20WorldCup | #PAKvNZ | https://t.co/rpw034CkPm pic.twitter.com/hTyRgHezCF
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 26, 2021
However, Pakistan will take on Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland in their remaining Super 12 fixtures. And, they are favourite in Group 2 as well. While applauding Haris Rauf’s performance against New Zealand, Aakash Chopra opened up on Pakistan’s exceptional seam attack.
“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 bowl fast. Pakistan’s pace-bowling factory is back on track,” he explained.Â
The veteran also praised the experienced Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali for taking Pakistan to the finish line. Notably, Ali joined Malik in the middle as they needed 48 off the last 31 deliveries and reached the target with eight balls to spare.
“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,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
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