Just a few days back, star Indian batting sensation Suryakumar Yadav surpassed Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan to gain the top spot in the international ranking of T20I batters. Earlier, The Peshawar-born batter was ruling the chart going past his own teammate and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
Other than the ranking part of the batters, Suryakumar Yadav’s swashbuckling knock of 61 runs off just 25 balls has left the former legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi completely impressed. The former Pakistan skipper was in all praises for the 32-year-old Indian batter. Meanwhile, Afridi didn’t miss a chance to come up with some instructions for star Pakistan batter and former World T20I batter Mohammad Rizwan.
In a show on Samaa TV, the anchor happened to recall Rizwan’s stand when he was asked if there is any change required in his gameplan as opponents are now decoding the pattern of his batting and the former didn’t take it enough seriously. Subsequently, the anchor asked Afridi if Rizwan needs to learn something from his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav.
He can target the good balls as well because he practices those shots - Shahid Afridi on Suryakumar Yadav
"Bilkul theek kaha. Sabse important cheez jo mention huya hai ki 200-250 domestic matches khel ke woh India team main aaya hai. Uss ladke ko apni game ka pata hai. Jitni bhi shotein marta hai woh achi ball o pe bhi maarta hai because uss cheez ki usne practice ki hai. Jitni skill aapke paas hogi utne ache impact wale player aap honge. Toh apko shots develop karne parenge, yeh format hi waisa hai (You are absolutely right. The most important thing about Suryakumar is that he played 200-250 matches in the domestic circuit before coming to international cricket. He knows his game. And he can target the good balls as well because he practices those shots. In this format, you need to evolve as a batter and develop your game),” replied Afridi.
Now, Pakistan will face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the first semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 followed by India’s clash against England in the semi-final at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.