T20 World Cup 2021: Australia Showed How Mentally Strong They Are - Kamran Akmal
Updated - 12 Nov 2021, 05:12 PM
Former Pakistan batsman Kamran Akmal praised the Australian team after they defeated favourites, Pakistan, in a thrilling semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
In their pursuit of the 177-run target, the Aussies were in trouble, having lost half their side for 96, but an unbeaten 81-run partnership between Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis took them home with an over to spare. It was a fantastic win from behind, something which is a testimony to Australia’s mental capacity, as per Akmal.
“What fantastic cricket Australia have played. They showed how mentally strong they are, a perfect example of how to carry a game and how to chase in cricket. Stoinis and Wade must be praised. How wonderfully Warner batted from the start, he did not let the pressure set in. The partnership between Warner and Marsh was crucial as well,” Akmal said while reviewing the semifinal on his YouTube channel.
“Courage was missing from Pakistan’s bowling” – Kamran Akmal
Kamran Akmal assessed that the Pakistan bowling attack should have been able to defend the solid target put up by their batsmen but failed to do so because of the lack of courage. Babar Azam’s men could have gone for the kill when the Aussies were down but let them get away eventually.
“It was unfortunate that Pakistan did not win today. They played some really good cricket in this World Cup, but unfortunately, they could not qualify even with the big total. How they batted and bowled in previous matches, that factor was missing today. They looked panicked. They should’ve defended this total. Courage was missing from their bowling,” Akmal added.
Wade’s 17-ball 41 earned him the Man of the Match award on the night. The Aussies will now be up against New Zealand for a shot at a maiden T20 World Cup trophy on Sunday.
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Kamran Akmal Pakistan national cricket team
