DUBAI: Former captain Shahid Afridi is confident Pakistan will reach the T20 World Cup final again but expressed concern over the poor strike rate of the batsmen in the middle overs.
The former all-rounder added that Pakistan’s pace attack, comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi and Mohammed Amir, is the best in the world.
“What concerns me is the strike rate of our batsmen, especially between the seventh and 13th innings,” Afridi, who is the tournament ambassador for the current T20 World Cup, told the ICC.
“I am hoping that the strike rate will go up at that stage. In terms of runs per over, we need eight to nine runs per over but Pakistan are still my favourites,” he added.
The 47-year-old, who was part of Pakistan’s title-winning team in 2009, feels that pacers have a huge responsibility to deliver results.
“I think Pakistan should reach the finals because the conditions suit our team.”
“I don’t think any cricket team in the world has such a strong bowling line-up. All four of our fast bowlers are technically sound and even our bench bowler like Abbas is technically sound with his slower balls. It’s a fantastic attack.”
“When these skilled players go to the World Cup and face world-class batsmen, they will perform well. The players who are mentioned will also have a huge responsibility on them.”
Pakistan had finished as runners-up in the last edition of this highly-anticipated tournament, losing to England by five wickets.
“If you look at the spinners in the team, they are good. They may not be in good form but I know they will get back in form. Batting-wise, we are very strong,” he added.
He backed Captain Babar Azam to put up a good tournament.
“All the players in the team are important. But looking at their recent performances, Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar, Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Shadab have all played important roles and will be key in the World Cup.”
“But if I have to pick one, I will choose captain Babar Azam because he is a leader. I want him to perform well and take timely decisions that will lead the team to victory.”
Pakistan will be in Group A along with India, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA.
They will play their first match against the USA on June 6 in Dallas.
This article has been generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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