(Source/ Times Now)
Shahid Afridi has expressed worries about the performance of Babar Azam’s team during the middle overs of matches. In an interview with the ICC, Afridi highlighted that Pakistan has been struggling to accumulate sufficient runs during this crucial phase of the game.
Shahid Afridi, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has voiced worries regarding the performance of Babar Azam’s squad during the middle overs of matches. In an interview with the ICC, Afridi highlighted Pakistan’s struggle in accumulating sufficient runs during this crucial phase of the game. Under Babar Azam’s leadership, Pakistan hasn’t been known for high-scoring matches. Instead, they have relied on their formidable fast bowling attack. In the 2022 tournament, Pakistan often backed themselves to defend or chase down modest scores, typically around the 180-run mark.
As a tournament ambassador, Afridi shared his thoughts with the ICC, particularly highlighting his worries about the performance between the seventh and thirteenth over.
“The thing that bothers me is the strike rate of our batters, especially in between the seven to thirteen over phase,” Afridi stated.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a run rate of eight to nine runs per over during that phase while reiterating his confidence that Pakistan remains one of the top contenders to win the title.
Afridi, renowned for his pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph, commended the team’s impressive pace bowling arsenal. He hailed the abilities of pacers like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Amir, labeling them as the finest in the world.
“I feel Pakistan should make the final. The reason is that the conditions (in West Indies and USA) suit our team,” Afridi remarked.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a run rate of eight to nine runs per over during that phase while reiterating his confidence that Pakistan remains one of the top contenders to win the title.
Afridi, renowned for his pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph, commended the team’s impressive pace bowling arsenal. He hailed the abilities of pacers like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Amir, labeling them as the finest in the world.
He underlined the potential impact of the bowling unit’s depth and adaptability against top-tier batsmen.
Recalling Pakistan’s runner-up finish to England in the previous T20 World Cup, Afridi expressed optimism about the spinners rediscovering their form and the batting lineup displaying its prowess. He extended his backing to team captain Babar Azam, urging him to maintain his stellar form and make decisive decisions.
“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, make timely decisions which will take the team to victory,” Afridi affirmed.
Pakistan, grouped with India, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA in Group A, will kick off their campaign against the USA on June 6 in Dallas.
