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ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Battle Front Drawn (Part One)

Saleque Sufi | banglanews24.com
Update: 2021-11-09 12:44:46
ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Battle Front Drawn (Part One) [image collected]

Super 12 Round of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 has just been concluded. Battle line of the knock out round has been drawn. Two of the four-pre tournament favorites reigning Champions West Indies and ICC’s blue-eyed team India have exited.  

Two other favorites ODI Champion England and Test Match Champion New Zealand have qualified and with them are Pakistan and Australia. Hence four teams from three continents would not lock horns in two semifinals to decide which two meets in the final? England plays New Zealand, Pakistan plays Australia. Given the form, fitness and recent performances Australia may be a surprise but other three playing brilliant cricket have reached the knock out stage. This write-up in two installments would preview the semifinals. 

Pakistan VS Australia To Be Played at Dubai on 12 November. 

Pakistan proved to be team performing so far to the best of its abilities, true to their potentials. The changes of team management, board President, Coaching staff worked wonder for them. People say charismatic former captain of Pakistan Imran Khan now the Prime Minister of Pakistan made some changes. Ramiz Raza becoming President of PCB brought some fundamental changes. Icon of the past Saqlain Mustaq became interim head coach, Australian legend Matthew Hayden became batting consultant and protean great Philander became bowling coach. The body language of the team completely changed. The same team started batting aggressively, bowling with intent and fielding sharply. To the surprise of of all the team displayed consistency. Back-to-back they won 5 matches of the super 12 on the tort. Moreover, destroying the pride of strong India, they beat them by 10 wickets setting a new milestone. 

It goes without saying that the tournament being staged at UAE in many ways came to the advantage of Pakistan. UAE is the home away from home for the Pakistanis. Pakistanis possibly know every grass of Abu Dhabi, Sarjah and Dubai. The hot climate of the Middle Eastern desert would suit Pakistan more than the other semi finalists.

Australia was not among the favorites. The team was under performing in the recent past. Many players of the team opted staying away from West Indies and Bangladesh tour In Alien Conditions they lost both the series. They were even blown away by Bangladesh. The Aussie players did not even perform well in IPL 2021 in UAE just before the tournament. Moreover, being placed in the group of death alongside England. West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh very few analysts thought that Australia would qualify. They lost their first match against England huge. But their win in the reaming four matches and specially huge win against Bangladesh and West Indies put them ahead of South Africa on Net Run Rate. 

In the semi final against Pakistan at Dubai analysts put Pakistan ahead. But in global contest at the knock out stage Australia has better records against Pakistan. Moreover, every other team had at least one bad day. Pakistan did not. Who knows whether the semi final would be a bad day. But on present for Shahhen Afridi, Harris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan make lethal bowling unit. Babar Azam and Rizwan are among the top four batsmen in T20 now. Pakistan has depth in batting. Fakhar Zaman at three, Hafiz, Shoiab, Asif are all power hitters. In 5 matches Pakistan had 5 different players of the match. The team is fielding well. 

Australian bowling is very strong. Starc, Hazelwood and Cummins match any attack anywhere in the world. Against Pakistan Australia may perhaps use Aston Aager alongside Adam Zampa. Mitchel Marsh and Marcus Stoinis can fill in. But their batsmen apart from Aaron Flinch and David Warner may struggle against quality Pakistan attack.

Anyway, T20 is a gamble. A good partnership, any inspired spell of bowling, few run out can tilt the balance. The Pakistan Australia semi final at Dubai on Friday (Saturday in Australia) promises be a mouthwatering contest.

BDST: 1235 HRS, NOV 09, 2021
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