Pakistan v World XI 3rd T20I- Who Said What

In last one week what we witnessed in Pakistan was affectionate concordance and their desire to bring back International cricket. The beauty of the game helped Pakistan start fresh and with more enthusiasm. Despite the best efforts of the players on the field, it was difficult for a cricket aficionado to just keep the focus on cricket as it was far beyond just a series for them.

In the final encounter, the hosts were off to a blistering start and managed to provide ‘series’ best opening partnership of 61 runs before Fakhar Zaman had to go back to the pavilion. This start helped Pakistan set up for a big total as they managed to score 183 runs in their quota of 20 overs. The other opener Ahmed Shehzad was the star performer scoring 89 runs off just 55 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 161.82.

For a team batting second, it’s always important for the openers to render them a decent start. However, the story didn’t pan out as World XI would’ve expected. First of the two openers to depart was Tamim Iqbal as the ball kept lower than he expected. To make up for the lost momentum, World XI skipper Faf du Plessis sent batting all-rounder Ben Cutting at No.3 who was departed for a mere score of 5.

The scenario became all the more difficult when World XI lost wickets in quick succession making the target resemble a lost dream. The lone savior for their side was Thisara Perera who played scorching innings of 32 runs off just 13 balls. The innings crumbled soon which helped Pakistan dominate the game and eventually won the game by 33 runs.

Under Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan is definitely having a dream run. The spirit looks different, so as the players. Though series ended 2-1 in favor of Pakistan, it’s definitely more than that.

Sarfaraz Ahmed said:

“My boys put in a fantastic effort. Babar Azam’s innings was beyond appreciation. We got a good start. We’ve been working out because fitness has become important nowadays. So the fielding is improving too. We got run-outs today; the boys fielded better. We are a young team, so the effort is to build the confidence. Players should get a fair rope at the international level. There’s talent in Pakistan, it’s about getting opportunities. Thanks to the crowd, the security forces, the groundsman for preparing the high-scoring pitches.”

Pakistani skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed was delighted by his team’s effort and specially mentioned Babar Azam, who was the Man of the Series for his commendable performance. He also said that the team will look to address some areas, especially fielding.

Faf du Plessis said:

“The series is a huge success. Cricket’s come back to Pakistan. From our point of view, we thank everyone. Our team will get better (chuckles). Was a great competition; Pakistan is a very good side. It’s not the Pakistan team that you can beat in the field (easily). They have the skills with the ball and their batting is also strong. Captaining World XI was great. It’s a good bunch of guys. And it makes a week or ten days like this very enjoyable.”

Du Plessis, on behalf of World XI team, congratulated Team Pakistan, termed the series as ‘huge success’. He also said that he will look to win matches with this team in the near future.

Ahmed Shehzad said:

“I didn’t know of the record (of becoming the first Pakistani player to hit three consecutive sixes in T20Is. I failed to score good runs in the first two matches but today I decided to stay till the end – thinking if others can do it why not me?! – and it came very nicely. I have been working hard. I’d like to name Arthur; the coaching staff has been through thick and thin. That’s what you want from them. I’d like to thank the crowd, the World XI; some of them want to come back. Cricket wins; we all love this game. As a nation, we have a lot of passion for the game.”

Ahmed Shehzad was delighted with the team’s effort and congratulated the coaching staff who helped Pakistan team get the best out of them. He was happy to make it count after not being able to convert the starts he got in first two matches.