Commenting on the on-going ICC World T20 2012 in Sri Lanka, the former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram, expressed that Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi are going to play a huge role in the mega event.
Historically, Pakistan have done exceedingly well in the game’s shortest format, having qualified for the semi-finals of all the three World T20s played so far. On top of that, the Green Shirts have a win-percentage of 60.34 in T20 cricket, which is second only to South Africa.
In the recently concluded three-match T20 series against Australia in United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Men in Green dismantled the opposition by two games to one, thanks to some brilliant performances by Ajmal, who is amongst the world’s best bowlers these days.
Wasim believes that spin-bowling is Pakistan’s strength and it is going to be crucial in the glamorous event. The former left-arm fast bowler understands that Afridi has not been at his best in recent times but still expects the leg-spinner from Karachi to be a match-winner.
"Saeed Ajmal will be the man to watch out and Shahid Afridi remains the quintessential partnership breaker with wickets at crucial junctures,” the former skipper said. “If Afridi has to play in the Pakistan team, he can only do so as a bowler. His experience in tight situations can be effective and his flatter leg-spins are tough to hit."
Ajmal and Afridi, with 60 and 58 scalps respectively, are among the top three wicket-takers of the T20 history. On top of that, their economy-rate is around 6 runs per over, which is brilliant in the sport’s shortest version.
Talking about the warm-up fixture played between India and Pakistan on Monday, the legendary cricketer mentioned that every encounter between the arch-rivals is fought intensely.
"Every India versus Pakistan contest is emotionally supercharged and hence the high fives in the Pakistan dug-out on Monday were expected. It was good to see the players in great spirits and the younger ones exchanging pleasantries after the game," he added.
Pakistan will play their opening match of the tournament against New Zealand on September 23rd, against New Zealand.
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