T20 World Cup: Laxman, Chopra lavish praise on Pakistan team

Former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman and Aakash Chopra have heaped praise on Pakistan team after the Men in Green qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Pakistan defeated Scotland by 72 runs on the back of magnificent half centuries from Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik on Sunday to set-up a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final clash against Australia.

“Try to keep the trophy in the subcontinent, neighbours,” tweeted Chopra.

Only undefeated team in the #T20WorldCup
Well played, #Pak
Go well in the semis. Only Asian team in the final four. Try to keep the trophy in the subcontinent, neighbours 🙌👍

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 7, 2021

Meanwhile, Laxman stated that Pakistan’s “semifinal opponents Australia have been forewarned”.

Pakistan continue to impress & excite. The only unbeaten team in the World Cup overwhelm Scotland, the evergreen Shoaib taking one's breath away with a special half-century. They have all bases beautifully covered, semifinal opponents Australia have been forewarned! #T20WorldCup

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 7, 2021

Skipper Babar scored a polished 47-ball-66 for his 24th fifty in Twenty20 internationals, and his fourth in five matches, while Malik smashed an 18-ball 54 not out as Pakistan posted 189-4 in their 20 overs against Scotland.

Scotland were never in hunt as they managed 117-6 with Richie Berrington fighting a lone hand during his 37-ball 54 not out with four boundaries and a six.

The victory gave Pakistan five wins in as many games, topping the Group 2 with ten points.

They now face Australia in the second semi-final in Dubai on Thursday.

England will face New Zealand in the first semi-final in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.