Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has highlighted the formidable challenge posed by Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan in November.
Speaking at the Australian Summer Festival in Melbourne, Maxwell praised Pakistan’s top cricket stars, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi while acknowledging the inherent unpredictability that makes Pakistan a challenging opponent.
“When you play against a team like Pakistan, their unpredictability makes them so tough to compete with,” Glenn Maxwell remarked. “We’ve had challenges against Pakistan in the past. They can be dangerous at different times because you never know what to expect from them.”
In his assessment, Glenn Maxwell singled out Pakistan’s prolific batsman Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi as key players who could significantly impact the series. He described Babar Azam as “an absolute superstar,” recognizing his consistent performance and leadership qualities. Maxwell also lauded Shaheen Afridi, calling him “a wizard with the new ball up front,” highlighting Afridi’s ability to make early breakthroughs with his pace and swing.
Maxwell emphasized that Australia is taking the series seriously, with the team preparing diligently to ensure they perform at their best. “We definitely have to keep an eye on Babar Azam; he’s an absolute superstar,” he reiterated. “Shaheen Afridi is a wizard with the new ball up front. Pakistan has world-class players, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The schedule for Pakistan’s tour of Australia is as follows:
ODI Series:
- November 4: 1st ODI at MCG, Melbourne
- November 8: 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- November 10: 3rd ODI at Perth Stadium, Perth
T20I Series:
- November 14: 1st T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane
- November 16: 2nd T20I at SCG, Sydney
- November 18: 3rd T20I at Bellerive Oval, Hobart
