Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed high regard for Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, emphasizing their potential to challenge any batting lineup in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Impressive Performances by Shaheen and Naseem
Ponting noted the exceptional performances of both bowlers in recent series, stating that their skills make them formidable opponents. He believes that their ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.
“Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been outstanding recently; they possess the talent to trouble any batting lineup,” Ponting remarked.
Challenges in Batting Lineup
While praising the bowling attack, Ponting also highlighted concerns regarding Pakistan’s batting lineup, particularly the absence of Saim Ayub. He described Ayub as a quality player whose absence creates a significant gap that will be challenging to fill.
“Saim Ayub is a quality player; his absence will be a massive gap to fill,” Ponting commented.
Key Players: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
Discussing the batting lineup, Ponting acknowledged the fluctuations in Babar Azam‘s performance in recent years but emphasized that both Babar and Mohammad Rizwan are capable of turning Pakistan into a formidable team when in form.
“Babar Azam has had his ups and downs, but if he and Rizwan perform at their best, Pakistan becomes a dangerous team,” he stated.
Home Ground Advantage
Ponting also touched upon the advantage of playing on home ground, noting that the support from local fans can energize the team and provide a significant boost during crucial moments.
“Playing at home keeps you energized due to the crowd support, which helps in big moments,” Ponting observed.
