Ricky Ponting, a renowned Australian cricketer, has endorsed Babar Azam and co. to win the T20 World Cup in Australia now that Pakistan has advanced to the final round of the prestigious competition. When Pakistan and New Zealand, headed by Kane Williamson, face off in the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinals, all eyes will be on the ailing Babar.
The Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh team was defeated by the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led team to go to the T20 World Cup semifinals, overtaking South Africa in the Group 2 rankings. Pacer Afridi delivered his greatest effort of the T20 World Cup 2022 after regaining some form in the Super 12 round.
Pakistan’s place in the T20 World Cup’s final four was ultimately secured by the great bowler, who finished with match-winning figures of 4/22 against Bangladesh. Afridi currently holds the key for Pakistan in the ICC competition, according to batting icon Ponting, who was speaking before the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup.
Ponting told International Cricket Council (ICC), “He might say that he’s not back to 100 percent just yet, but from what I’ve seen it looks like he’s going along beautifully and he now holds the key for Pakistan progressing in the tournament.”
Due to a knee ailment, pacer Afridi previously had to sit out the whole 2022 Asia Cup.
Ponting believes that Afridi may still have a significant effect on pivotal games even when he is not performing at his peak. While discussing Afridi’s return to international cricket, Ponting also made a particular mention of batting legend Virat Kohli. At the T20 World Cup 2022, former Indian captain Kohli scored the most runs.
He added, “It’s almost a bit like the India scenario with Virat (Kohli) coming into this tournament. Sometimes you just have to stick with them and pick them and let them go because champion players will find a way to get the job done. And as the tournament’s gone on he (Afridi) has got better and better and hopefully the best is still to come.”
