Would not want to face Pakistan in the semi-final: Michael Vaughan

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan is wary of the threat Pakistan pose to any team in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Green have won all their three games in the mega event and have almost qualified for the semi-final. On Friday, October 29, Babar Azam and Co defeated Afghanistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Even as their win over India was clinical, they had to fight a wee bit against New Zealand and the Afghans. However, Asif Ali and others held their nerves to take their team over the finishing line. Vaughan also felt that Saturday’s match between Australia and England would decide the eventual table-toppers in Group 1.

Michael Vaughan shares his opinions

“Tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) England vs Australia game is a monster. Whoever wins is going to finish top. I am sure Pakistan are going to finish top in their group. I would not want to face Pakistan in the semi-final. I’ll be more than happy to play in the other semi-final and hope someone knocks them (Pakistan) out. We are a long way off from the final but they seem to have everything,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.

Vaughan said that Pakistan have their batting lineup sorted and it won’t be easy for opponents to stop them in the tournament.

“In this Pakistan team, you have that opening combination (Azam and Rizwan), you have got that experience in the middle with Hafeez and Malik. Now, you have got finishers, and with their bowling combination, they look a terrific side,” he stated.

On Friday, Asif Ali smashed Karim Janat for four sixes in the penultimate over to script the win for Pakistan. Naveen-ul-Haq brought Afghanistan back into the game, conceding only two runs in the 18th over, but Asif spoiled their party.

“To get over the line in the fashion that they ended up doing, it sends quite a strong message. They were pushed into a corner by Afghanistan and they came out with a fantastic victory because of a team contribution. It’s concerning for all other teams in the competition,” Vaughan added.

England, meanwhile, have started with wins in both their opening games. With a net run rate of 3.614, the Three Lions are sitting pretty on top of Group 1.