T20 World Cup: Ponting compares Shaheen’s return to form with Kohli

Pacer bagged his best figures, 4-22, in T20I cricket against Bangladesh

By Web Desk
November 08, 2022
Ponting also backed Shaheen to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s matches in the remainder of the tournament — AFP

KARACHI: Legendary Australian batter Ricky Ponting has compared Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi’s return to form with star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who was struggling for runs before the T20 World Cup. 

Shaheen bagged his best figures in T20I cricket, 4-22, against Bangladesh on Sunday to help Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

"It's almost a bit like the India scenario with Virat [Kohli] coming into this tournament," Ponting was quoted as saying by ICC on their official website.

"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."

Ponting also backed Shaheen to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s matches in the remainder of the tournament.

"He might say that he's not back to 100 per cent 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," Ponting said.

"[I never had any doubt] as you just know what he's capable of when he's out there on the field.

"And as I said, even if he's not at 100 per cent, if he's operating at 90 percent, he's still going to have more of an impact on games than most because of how good he is.

"So look, he might have had a few worries in the back of his own mind and the Pakistan hierarchy and coaching group might have had a few worries in their mind, but not anymore.

"He's got through really well so far and hopefully for them two more games to go.”

It must be noted that Pakistan will face New Zealand in the semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Wednesday, November 9.

The 2009 champions only scraped into the knockouts when the Netherlands unexpectedly defeated South Africa and Pakistan then beat Bangladesh to secure their second successive last-four berth.

Pakistan finished in second place in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage, with six points after three wins in five games. 

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