I really feel Pakistan can win the T20 World Cup next year: Shahid Afridi

Pakistan locked horns with Australia in the semi-final event of T20 World Cup 2021 and got knocked out of the tournament by suffering a five-wicket loss. Pakistan was the only undefeated team in the league stages that stormed through the semi-final clash. However, after the team’s loss, former cricketer Shahid Afridi has backed the team to lift the T20 WC next year.

Afridi added that Babar Azam and men played very well throughout the tournament and put up a great fight in the semi-final too. In the end, it was a great show by the players and they need to be backed further. Pakistan won the T20 World Cup in 2009 wherein star all-rounder Afridi’s role was of great significance.

“Great fight boys you make us proud, wonderful effort throughout the tournament well played Australia. I really feel this team can win the T20 World Cup next year, we all need to continue to back the players,” tweeted Afridi after Pakistan’s heart-breaking exit in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup.

Shahid Afridi lauds Pakistan’s show in T20 WC 2021

Great fight boys you make us proud, wonderful effort throughout the tournament, well played Australia. I really feel this team can win the T20 World Cup next year, we all need to continue to back the players! 🇵🇰🇵🇰

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 11, 2021

Talking about the match between Pakistan and Australia, all was looking good for men in green until Matthew Wade launched Shaheen Shah Afridi for three straight sixes which turned the match in seconds. Wade and Marcus Stoinis’ berserk hitting towards the end stormed Australia through the final with one over remaining.

“I thought we scored as many runs as we had planned in the first innings. I think if we give such teams a chance in the back end, it is going to be costly. The way we gelled and played the entire tournament, I am satisfied as a captain. Hopefully, we’ll learn from this for the next tournament. When you play so well throughout, there were small mistakes that cost us the match in the end. We gave players roles and they executed it really well,” read a part of Babar Azam’s statement after their semis loss to Australia.

Pakistan will move to Bangladesh from Dubai to play a three-match T20I series and two Tests against hosts.