South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn made a bold prediction on Friday when he backed Pakistan bowling sensation Mohammad Abbas to become World’s number one Test bowler, following the 28-year-old’s stunning performances in the just-concluded Test series against Australia on Friday.
Abbas, who has been in hot form ever since his Test debut for Pakistan last year, tore apart the Australian batting order with five wickets in each inning of the second Test to lead Pakistan to a massive 373-run victory.
Cashing a mammoth target of 537, Australia were comfortably placed at 71/1 when Abbas took four quick wickets to leave the opposition reeling at 78/5. He dismissed Travis Head (36), Mitchell Marsh (5), Aaron Finch (31) and skipper Tim Paine for a duck in the space of just seven runs.
He would then return to remove Marnus Labuschagne (43) to finish with figures of 62/5 in 17 overs and lead Pakistan to the 1-0 series win. He had also taken a five-wicket haul (33/5) in the first innings to finish with his maiden 10 wickets in a match.
Impressed with Abbas’ show, Steyn took to social media to heap praise on the Pakistan bowler and predicted that he will go on to become the new no.1 bowler in Test cricket.
Also Read: India vs West Indies: World Cup spot in mind for young Khaleel Ahmed
“I see a new number 1 Test bowler coming… Mohammad Abbas” said the South African speedster on Twitter.
Abbas had also taken seven wickets in the first Test match, making him the first pacer to take 15 or more wickets in a Test series in the UAE.
Meanwhile, former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who has been in awe of the fast bowler ever since the first innings of the First Test, continued to shower praise on Abbas. He called Abbas an incredible bowler in all conditions.
“I am only watching & I reckon @Mohmmadabbas111 has had me out 10 times already this morning… Incredible bowler in all conditions… #PAKvAUS” said Vaughan in his post.
Pakistan beat Australia by 373 runs to win the second Test and with it the two-match Test series 1-0.
Image Source: