T20 World Cup 2021: Kevin Pietersen picks his best playing XI of the tournament

England cricket legend Kevin Pietersen has picked his best playing XI of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Two wicket-keeper batsmen will open the batting in Pietersen’s team of the tournament.

England’s Jos Buttler and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan will be the openers in Pietersen’s side. Pietersen reasoned that Rizwan is a consistent run-scorer for the Pakistan side, and battled his illness in brilliant fashion to score a classy 67 against Australia in the semifinal clash.

“Rizwan was a consistent run-scorer at the top of Pakistan’s line-up, who did brilliantly to battle back from illness and score 67 against Australia in the semi-final,” said Pietersen while chatting with Betway.

Babar Azam will occupy the No.3 slot in Pietersen’s XI, while Charith Asalanka and Aiden Markram will complete the top five. The 2 all-rounders who found a place in Pietersen’s side were Moeen Ali and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Kevin Pietersen picks the bowlers in his playing XI

Pietersen next picked 4 bowlers in his playing XI. Pietersen was impressed with Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa’s wicket-taking ability. “Zampa’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs was one of the key reasons why Australia won the tournament,” said Pietersen.

And, the final 3 names in Pietersen’s playing XI are Trent Boult, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and South African speedster Anrich Nortje. No Indian cricketer found a place in Pietersen’s team of the tournament.

Australia won the summit clash of the 2021 T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand with 8 wickets to spare. The Aussies chased down the target of 173 set by New Zealand to clinch the title.

Kevin Pietersen is one of the all-time greats of England cricket. The 41-year-old represented England in 104 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 37 T20Is in his stellar career that lasted a decade.

Kevin Pietersen’s team of the 2021 T20 World Cup: Mohammad Rizwan, Jos Buttler, Babar Azam, Charith Asalanka, Aiden Markram, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Anrich Nortje, Shaheen Shah Afridi