T20 World Cup 2021: Shoaib Akhtar Doffs His Hat To Afghanistan Pair Of Rashid Khan And Mohammad Nabi

Shoaib Akhtar was effusive in praise for the duo of Rashid Khan And Mohammad Nabi after the tight game between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday in Dubai.

Babar Azam’s side emerged victorious by 5 wickets. The game though seemed to be in balance when Pakistan needed 24 off the last two overs before Asif Ali hammered 4 sixes in the 19th over.

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi both starred for their side keeping them in the hunt. Nabi scored 35 unbeaten runs to take Afghanistan to 147 after early wickets and dismissed Fakhar Zaman. Rashid returned with figures of 2/26 which included wickets of half-centurion Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez.

Shoaib Akhtar commended the duo for emerging as two of the leading white-ball cricketers in the world after making immense sacrifices.

“Our whole country knows about your sacrifices and the help you’re doing for Afghanistan cricket, we even know that. You are so passionate. You guys take the fan’s pressure and then go on to play. I was talking about Rashid and Nabi. Hats off to you guys,” Shoaib Akhtar said in his YouTube video.

You guys gave Pakistan a tough time out there; hats off to you: Shoaib Akhtar

Rashid Khan also became the fastest bowler to 100 T20I wickets to attain the feat in his 53rd match. Shoaib Akhtar lauded Afghanistan for their brilliant fight in the game, especially after being 76/6 at one stage. The former Pakistani speedster claimed his love for Afghanistan.

“My full support to the Afghanistan Team. I am standing with you. You have played great cricket with such limited resources. You guys gave Pakistan a tough time out there. Hats off to you. We love you as a country, as a nation,” the 46-year-old added.

With three wins in three matches, Pakistan have one foot in the semi-final. Afghanistan have claimed one win while losing one match, but their brilliant net run rate of +3.092 keeps them in good stead.

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