T20 World Cup 2021: 3 things Pakistan got right against Afghanistan and 2 they didn’t

#2. Got wrong: Pakistan’s reluctance to use an additional spinner

Pakistan went into their T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan with four spin all-rounders. In the matches against India and New Zealand, Mohammad Hafeez was handed the ball for two overs each. He delivered in both matches and kept things tight to get Pakistan through the middle overs of the innings.

In the match against Afghanistan, Babar Azam did not turn to Hafeez or Shoaib Malik to get a couple of overs out in the middle. Babar looked set to get things over quickly after Afghanistan went six down. However, the pace at the end allowed Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi to pile on the runs.

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#1. Got right: Asif Ali’s stroke of brilliance to end the match

Asif Ali carried Pakistan to a victory against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday evening. Asif came in on Friday evening with Pakistan needing 26 off 18 balls. The Green team could only manage two runs in the over that followed, while Shoaib Malik lost his wicket.

Asif Ali hit four sixes off the 19th over to help his team cruise to another victory in the T20 World Cup. Asif’s brilliance came at a time when all hope was lost for Pakistan. He scored 25 off just seven deliveries to take Pakistan to victory with an over to spare.