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Cricket

“Shaheen Afridi holds the key to Pakistan winning the T20 World Cup,” says Ricky Pointing

Ricky Ponting, who captained Australia in the past, has identified Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi as the most important player for his country’s chances of winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia for a second time.

When Pakistan played Bangladesh on Sunday, Afridi turned in his finest bowling performance of the tournament by finishing with figures of 4-22, and that stint was important in Pakistan’s advancement to the semifinals.

Ponting referred to Afridi as the most important player in Pakistan’s next match against New Zealand, which will take place on Wednesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“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,” Ponting told reporters according to the ICC.

“I never had any doubt as you just know what he’s capable of when he’s out there on the field,” Ponting said. “And as I said, even if he’s not at 100 per cent, if he’s operating at 90 per cent, he’s still going to have more of an impact on games than most because of how good he is.”

Ponting equated Afridi’s return to form to India’s Virat Kohli’s in Australia, saying that sometimes you simply have to trust the elite players to deliver on the big stage.

“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,” stated Ponting.

Due to a knee injury, Afridi was unable to participate in the entirety of the Asia Cup, which took place in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the seven-match Twenty20 International series that Pakistan played against England at home prior to the Twenty20 World Cup. However, Ponting stated that even if he is only operating at 90 percent of his capacity, he is superior to all of the other bowlers.

“It’s almost a bit like the India scenario with Virat Kohli coming into this tournament,” Ponting explained. “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,” he concluded.

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