Pakistan are favourites now after emphatic win over India: Shane Warne

Former Australia cricketer Shane Warne has termed Pakistan as the favourites to win the T20 World Cup after their excellent performance against India. Babar Azam and his men put on a perfect show against the arch-rivals on Sunday to defeat the Men in Blue for the first time in a World Cup game ever. In the previous 12 matches of the mega event (50-over and 20-over), India had emerged victorious.

Shaheen Afridi started it all dismissing the openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in his first spell. Despite Virat Kohli scoring a fighting half-century, one felt, India were always short of runs as they ended at 151/7 in their 20 overs. The chase was flawless for Pakistan as their openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan didn’t give any chance to the opposition and won the game by 10 wickets.

Pakistan’s fielding and catching was also excellent during the match and overall intensity during the game was also like ‘never seen before’ from them.

Warne impressed with Pakistan team

Shane Warne feels that Pakistan has made a huge statement with a classy win over India and is now considering them the favourites to go the distance in the World Cup. He was also impressed with the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam who stamped his authority with an unbeaten 68 off 52 balls during a record stand of 152* with Mohammad Rizwan.

“What a statement Pakistan just made in the #ICCT20WorldCup2021 Now favourites in my opinion after that emphatic win over India. Just a super all round & impressive performance. Babar Azam continues to enhance his reputation as one of the best batters in the world in all forms !!” Warne’s tweet read.

What a statement Pakistan just made in the #ICCT20WorldCup2021 Now favourites in my opinion after that emphatic win over India. Just a super all round & impressive performance. Babar Azam continues to enhance his reputation as one of the best batters in the world in all forms !!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) October 24, 2021

Meanwhile, Pakistan will next face New Zealand on October 26 and a win in this game will more or less seal their place in the semi-finals given their remaining three games will be against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. They have the momentum now with them after a brilliant win over India and will be keen on creating history in this mega event.