T20 World Cup 2021: David Warner Was Mentally Aware That It Was A No-Ball And Capitalized On It - Salman Butt

Former Pakistan player Salman Butt praised Australian batsman David Warner for having game awareness during the second semifinal between Australia and Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Warner came down the track and smashed Mohammad Hafeez’s delivery, which bounced twice, for a massive six over deep mid-wicket. While a few former players questioned the act, Butt felt it was great game awareness and seizing the moment when it presented itself.

“Full marks to Warner for game awareness. He was mentally aware that it was a no-ball and capitalized on it. He knew what the rules were. It was an awkward low ball that bounced twice and Warner still managed to smash it for a six. It was very quick feet movement and great thinking.“

“Lot of people are saying it is against sportsman spirit. But the law allows you to do it. It was a kind of loose ball. Would a batter let a full toss ball go because the bowler did not get it right? What Warner did was exactly what he should have done,” Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Warner went on to score a 30-ball 49 before walking off on being adjudged caught behind, despite not having edged the ball in another bizarre series of events.

Let’s not do things that hurt people – Salman Butt to people criticizing Hasan Ali

Fast bowler Hasan Ali dropped a catch of Matthew Wade, who went on to smash three sixes in a row to seal the deal for the Aussies. Hasan also had a terrible day with the ball, giving away 44 runs in his four overs. Following the defeat, social media began abusing the pacer.

“It is unfortunate. Let’s not do things that hurt people. Take sport as a sport. If someone is not doing well, criticize his performance, question his place in the team, but not his family and personal life. That’s not the way to go. You can always criticize a sportsperson for his performance as a professional but don’t get personal or question his beliefs,” Butt said about the issue.

Australia’s victory sends them to the final, where New Zealand awaits, having defeated England’s favourites in the first semifinal.

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