5 reasons why Pakistan can go on to win the World T20 Series 2021 

After Pakistan wrapped up an emphatic win over India, a lot of people have labelled them as the dark horses for the ongoing event. Yesterday, they defeated New Zealand to stay unbeaten in the tournament. With 2 in 2, Babar Azam’s men will look to extend their win streak and polish their mercurial mettle in the UAE. They have been clinical this past week and as a result are on top of the group. First they mauled India to register their maiden 10 wicket victory in T20 internationals then made a remarkable comeback against New Zealand in the second game to emerge victorious. So, what have the ‘Shaheens’ done right in this competition thus far? How is this Pakistan unit different from any other Pakistani side in the past? Ahead of their third match against Afghanistan, let us have a detailed look at the dark horses 

1) Dynamic duo of Babar-Rizwan

One of the major reasons behind the success of men in green is the opening pair of Babar Rizwan and Mohammad Rizwan. The duo have added 180 runs in 2 games and have been solid at the top of the batting order. The composure of Babar and aggression of Rizwan has paid dividends for the men in green. 

2) Potent Pace Attack  

Pakistan Cricket team is known for producing world class fast bowlers. The menacing pace trio of Shaheen Shah, Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf is a testament of this. Shaheen Shah’s Afridi impressed one and all with his new ball spell against India. His deadly spell helped his team outplay India. He got equal support from Hasan Ali at the other end who was a touch expensive but scalped two important wickets. The men in blue never recovered from the early jitters and eventually ended with 151 runs on the board. Haris Rauf stepped up in the next game and ended with figures of 4/22. The ability to hit the ball at the right areas and swing it both ways has posed threat for the opposition batsmen

3) Shoaib impregnable Malik

Shoaib Malik has been around the T20 scene for quite some time now. From Australia to Canada, Malik has competed in every little professional T20 league. He is vastly experienced and adds immense value to the side with his prowess as a quality all rounder. His late flourish with the bat against NZ bat helped Pakistan record their second victory of the tournament  

4) Finisher in the form of Asif Ali

 Not a lot was known about this hard hitting batsmen before the last game. The 30 year old swashbuckler hogged the limelight after smashing NZ senior fast bowler Tim Southee for two consecutive sixes. It is one thing to hit sixes but to go after a premium fast bowler in a crunch game and that too during a nail biting chase is completely different. It is still early days in the tournament but if he continues to put up such impressive performances, he can prove to be Pakistan’s ultimate ‘finisher’, something which the men in green have not found in a very long time. 

5) This Pakistan unit can field

Fielding is one department Pakistan has never excelled in before and to suddenly see them do well in the outfield just seems a little odd. They have attacked the ball well in the field, safely pouched catches and have looked sharp throughout the 20 overs.