T20 World Cup 2021: Only brave teams will look to attack Tabraiz Shamsi – Tom Moody

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody reckons that only brave teams will look to attack the no.1 T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi.

The South African spinner has been in sublime form and he has a lot of variations under his belt. Shamsi returned with figures of 1-22 in his four overs against Australia in the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2021 and conceded his runs at an impressive economy rate of 5.50.

However, South Africa had put only 118 runs on the board and lost by five wickets against Australia. Shamsi is known to be right on the money and has taken giant strides in the last couple of years. The left-arm spinner also scalped seven wickets in six matches he played in the Hundred.

Furthermore, Shamsi had scalped seven wickets in five-match T20I series against West Indies earlier in June and he was awarded the Player of the series.

While speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Moody said: “I think it will be a brave team who takes on that approach against Shamsi. The approach would be to accumulate but then put him under pressure if he does err in length. If he gets too full, you can guarantee that the West Indies will take him on, and again, if he drags the ball too down, well knowing the West Indies batting, they will take that on as well.”

On the other hand, former West Indies batter Darren Ganga feels the West Indies will be watchful against Tabraiz Shamsi, who can trouble them.

“I don’t think West Indies have the quality in them to play that type of spin; I think they have to try and make sure that he is blunted.”

Shamsi is going to hold the key for South Africa and he will look to bring his best to the table. On the other side, West Indies were bundled out for a meager score of 55 runs against England, and they were troubled by Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali.

West Indies and South Africa will lock horns against one another at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.