Shoaib Akhtar the former Pakistani speedster found himself awestruck by the impeccable batting display of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma during their T20 World Cup Super 8 faceoff against Australia in St. Lucia on June 24. Rohits scintillating innings of 92 runs off just 41 deliveries supported by seven boundaries and eight sixes showcased his mastery at the crease.
Rohit Sharma effort was highlighted when he dismissed Mitchell Starc for 26 runs, hammering the Australian pacer for three sixes and two boundaries in his second over.
Shoaib Akhtar discussed the devastation in a video posted to his YouTube account.
“Rohit Sharma did exactly what he should have done. What incredible intent did he bat with! Kya usne phainti lagayi hai Mitchell Starc ki!(How well did he smash Mitchell Starc!). This is how true leaders play. They play selflessly and want play for the team and for the country and want to win. This is how his intent has been for the past year.”
Shoaib Akhtar
Akhtar also lauded Rohit for not slowing down for his hundred and maintaining the same tempo throughout his innings. Rohit’s blitz laid the groundwork for the Men in Blue’s record-breaking score of 205/5.
Shoaib Akhtar slams Australia’s decision-making
Shoaib Akhtar found it utterly bewildering that Australia chose to bowl first after winning the toss going against his expectation of a pitch slowdown during the day. His astonishment peaked as he openly questioned why Mitchell Starc and the rest of the bowlers held back on using their variations early in the match.
“Poor decision-making by Australia. When you have already been smashed by Afghanistan, you are giving them the license that ‘come please hit us.’ When you take the pace off the ball, it grips into the surface and big-hitting is not easy as the pitch gets slower. But you are giving pace. Poor decision-making from Mitchell Starc.”
Shoaib Akhtar
Australia fought bravely in the chase, but could only score 181/7 in 20 overs. Afghanistan’s stunning victory over Bangladesh means that Australia has been eliminated from the tournament.