Chappell says hard for Afridi to replicate all-rounder show at World T20

Karachi: Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell believes that Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi will find it difficult to display the same kind of batting performance against the better sides as he had produced against Bangladesh in their World T20 campaign opener.

Earlier, Afridi produced a scintillating all-round performance as he smashed quick-fire 49 off just 19 balls to help Pakistan cruise to a 55-run win over Bangladesh in their opening group match of the T20 format’s pinnacle event at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Chappell, who played 75 Tests and 16 ODIs for Australia, said that he was not sure if Afridi would be able to play up in the batting order against the better sides, the Dawn reported.

According to Chappell, Afridi need to get flexible as a skipper and should give opportunity to the other players in the squad to bat at the top of the line-up.

The 71-year-old, however, praised Afridi’s ‘calm and relax’ approach in the opening match, suggesting that the Pakistan all-rounder could replicate his tremendous performance if he remains little patient on the special occasions.

Pakistan will play their next match against fierce-rivals and hosts India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.

The ICC had earlier moved Pakistan’s group match against India to Kolkata due to security concerns in Dharamsala. (ANI)