T20 World Cup 2021: Pakistan Are Going To Be The Favourites - David Hussey

Former Australian batsman David Hussey hailed Babar Azam-led Pakistan to be the favourites heading into the knockout stages of the ongoing T20 World Cup. At the moment, Pakistan is the only undefeated team in the competition and can become the first side, without losing a match, to claim the T20 title.

They have put up commanding performances so far, barring a few nervous moments against New Zealand in their second Super 12 game. Almost every single batsman has had good contributions in the tournament, with the exception of Fakhar Zaman. Speaking about the team.

“Pakistan are going to be the favourites of the competition. They’re chock full of talent with the bat, Babar Azam, [Mohammad] Rizwan the wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Hafeez is still doing it, [and] Shoaib Malik,” Hussey said.

“With the ball, they’re very evenly balanced with left arm [paceman] Shaheen Afridi and Melbourne Stars’ own Haris Rauf, and they’ve got some good spin as well. The way they’ve played throughout the tournament, they’re just class all over the park really.”

“Shaheen Afridi is an absolute superstar of a bowler” – David Hussey

David Hussey went on to praise youngster, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s bowling and compared it to the likes of Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc. Both are left-arm pacers with similar speeds and style of bowling, each having a very lethal yorker in his armory.

“He [Shaheen Afridi] is an absolute superstar of a bowler, not dissimilar to when Mitchell Starc first started out playing for Australia, bowls express, can bowl around the wicket, good yorkers, good bouncer, slow ball, he’s at the peak of his powers at the moment. If Australia are to go on and beat Pakistan, they’ll have to play Shaheen Afridi very, very well,” Hussey mentioned.

Australia will take on Pakistan in the second semifinal of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Also, Read – T20 World Cup 2021: Shane Warne Feels Australia Can Win The Tournament, Hails The Batting Order Positions And Form