‘He won Australia matches single-handedly’ – Wasim Akram on David Warner getting the Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has put forth his opinions on the reasons behind David Warner getting the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup 2021. The 35-year-old left-handed Warner was the leading run-scorer for the Aussies in the event, having notched 289 runs at an average of 48.16 and a strike rate of 146.70.

The southpaw came into the World Cup on the back of poor outings in the IPL, but he managed to make amends. Warner scored three half-centuries in the mega event with a top score of an unbeaten 89. Akram stated that Warner got the award as he was one of the primary reasons behind the Aussies winning their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Wasim Akram backs Warner

“It doesn’t have to be most runs; they have also seen the impact. They saw which particular player during the tournament had an impact from his performances on the side,” Akram was quoted as saying on A Sports.

“Warner won Australia matches single-handedly on most occasions. They also lifted the World Cup which was the icing on the cake,” he added.

In the final on Sunday against New Zealand, Warner scored 53 off 38 with four fours and three sixes before Trent Boult accounted for his wicket. After he got out in the 13th over of the run-chase, Mitchell Marsh took charge and scored an unbeaten 77 to take Australia over the finishing hurdle.

Warner said that going back to the basis worked wonders for him and helped him get back his rhythm. He also said that the win on Sunday was up there with Australia’s triumph against the Black Caps in the 2015 World Cup final.

“Always felt really well. Didn’t get much time in the middle in the two practice matches obviously. But for me it was about going back to basics. Going to hard, synthetic wickets and try to hit some balls. Definitely up there with 2015,” Warner said.

“Being part of the World Cup final against England a decade ago definitely hurt. These guys are a great bunch of guys. Great support staff, great team, great support back home,” he added.