Pakistan now favourites to win the T20 World Cup – Sana Mir
Former Pakistan Women’s skipper Sana Mir believes that Babar Azam’s men’s team are now favourites to win the T20 World Cup in the familiar surrounds of the UAE.
Pakistan scored a sensational win over India in their opening match and continue their campaign on Tuesday when they take on New Zealand, and Mir feels they will take some beating.
“It was incredible to see Pakistan beat India by ten wickets; I think every Pakistani has been waiting for this win for quite some time,” Mir wrote in a column for the ICC.
“It is the first time Pakistan have beaten India at an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and they did it in quite grand style.
“It was one of the most immaculate performances that I’ve seen from Pakistan’s men’s team, they were outstanding in all three departments; I don’t recall one mistake, they were quite brilliant.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with the ball with the two big wickets at the top and he was really well supported by all the bowlers and there was great energy in the field.
“It felt like everyone knew exactly what their role was, there was a lot of clarity which I’m a big advocate of.
“Mohammad Rizwan’s first six set the tone with the bat and I can say plenty about his partnership with Babar, but it won’t do justice to how well they batted.”
Pakistan focused on the cup
Mir believes that this Pakistan outfit are focused on the goal of winning the T20 World Cup and won’t get carried away because of one result.
“With this performance, Pakistan have definitely become one of the favourites for the tournament, but it was heartening to see Babar and Shaheen not get carried away when in front of the media, they were focused on the next games.
“It is a great sign that they are staying level-headed and shows the team is going in the right direction.
“Next up Pakistan play New Zealand and I think it’s going to be a very exciting game. Most of the time we have no history with New Zealand but after the series was cancelled last month, I think the boys will be extra motivated to perform well.
“New Zealand have a very good side with a lot of skill and a great captain in Kane Williamson so it will be a very important match and the toss will also play a role with dew around in the late games.”
