Former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan has predicted the highest wicket-taker in the much-awaited World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand. The WTC final will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18. During a recent chat on Star Sports show, Cricket Connected, Pathan backed Trent Boult or Mohammed Shami to be the highest wicket-taker during the WTC final.
Irfan Pathan said: “WTC Final, it’s the biggest Test match ever. I think New Zealand will have a 55-45 advantage. I also think Kane Williamson will be the highest scorer. And, in terms of highest wicket-taker, it will be between Trent Boult and Mohammad Shami.”
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Boult has scalped 281 wickets in 71 Tests matches and 36 wickets against India in the nine test matches. On the other hand, the 30-year-old, Shami, has 180 wickets in the 50 Test matches, and in seven Test matches against New Zealand, he has scalped 23 wickets.
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Talking about the s WTC final on teh same show, former Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Parthiv Patel also predicted the top scorer and highest wicket-taker in the upcoming marquee event.
Parthiv said, “I will back Cheteshwar Pujara to get the highest scorer title in this Test match. If India has to win, you have to keep Pujara for your No.3 — if India loses early wickets. If he goes on to bat for 3-4 hours in this Test match, I think India will be in a very good position. So, I am backing Pujara to be the highest run-scorer in this Test match.”
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He further added, “I will put cricketing logic aside and I will back India to win this Test match. I think Mohammad Shami holds the key to the Indian bowling attack. Yes, Bumrah and Ishant Sharma have been bowling and preparing well, but I think Mohammad Shami is key. The way he has been bowling in England and he has done really well in all conditions.”
