‘He holds the key to Pakistan’s success- Ricky Ponting’s massive praise for Pakistan bowler ahead of 20-20 World Cup semi-final clash with New Zealand
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is one of the most respected personalities in cricket given his insanely successful career in the sport. It is often that Ponting’s remarks on matches and players are listened to with great attentiveness.
The three-time World Cup winner has recently opined on Pakistan’s chances of claiming the 20-20 World Cup trophy in Australia. Pointing has said that Afridi holds the key to Pakistan’s progression into the World Cup.
“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 said ahead of Pakistan’s semi-final clash with New Zealand.
“(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 percent, if he’s operating at 90 percent, he’s still going to have more of an impact on games than most because of how good he is, “opined the former Australia captain.
“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.”
It’s a bit like Virat Kohli- Ricky Ponting
Ponting compared Afridi’s return to that of Virat Kohli and commended Pakistan Cricket Board for sticking with Afridi, despite not being in good form.
“It’s almost a bit like the India scenario with Virat (Kohli) coming into this tournament,” Ponting noted. “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, ” suggested Ponting.
Ponting concluded with hoping that the best from Afridi is still yet to come. “And as the tournament’s gone on he (Afridi) has got better and better and hopefully the best is still to come.”
