Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Wasim Akram dubs Asif Ali as 'greatest finisher', fans compare him to Shahid Afridi

Pakistan batsman Asif Ali (Source: Twitter)

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has dubbed Asif Ali as the "greatest finisher" after witnessing the right-handed batter's match-winning knock against Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

"Asif Ali is the best finisher in the game congratulations Pakistan. What a performance. #ICCT20WorldCup2021 #AsifAli #PakvsAfghanistan," Akram tweeted.

Asif Ali is the best finisher in the game congratulations  Pakistan . What a performance. #ICCT20WorldCup2021 #AsifAli #PakvsAfghanistan — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) October 29, 2021

Also, fans compared Asif to Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi for his big-hitting prowess.

Every six from #AsifAli is a tight slap on the face of all those who doubted his talent and selection... Too early to comment but there was only one #Afridi and there is only one Asif. The conviction of that man to plan and exute 25 runs in an over give goose bumps. Kudos to Asif

— KK (@ka_mylll) October 29, 2021

New Boom Boom for Pakistan pic.twitter.com/3Z2mdQ6qQx — Adi (@adeelmgt) October 29, 2021

Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in the post-match presentation said that he had confidence in the ability of Asif Ali and knew the batter would take his side home during crunch games in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

"At the end, with Malik and Asif Ali, we knew they could do the job. He (Asif Ali) is known for this and I was confident pre-tournament itself that he would deliver when needed," Azam said.

Asif Ali blistering cameo powered Pakistan to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan needed 24 runs in 12 balls but Asif did a Carlos Brathwaite and smashed four sixes to power his side home.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Ali remained unbeaten on 25 off just seven balls with the help of four sixes.

With this, the Babar Azam-led side registered its third win on the trot.

Pakistan will next lock horns against Namibia on Tuesday, November 2 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.