Afridi rates Australian T20 Big Bash higher, tougher than IPL

Perth, Dec.31 (ANI): Electrifying Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has rated Australia's domestic Twenty20 Big Bash higher and tougher than the cash rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

"Compared to IPL and all the other Twenty20 tournaments I think this (Big Bash) tournament is very tough," Afridi told reporters after helping his side South Australia Redbacks defeat Western Australia Warriors by 29 runs ate the WACA ground.

Afridi was named the man-of-the-match for his brilliant performance with the ball. He took 4-19 from his quota of four overs.

Afridi said the tournament would help him prepare for the forthcoming one-day series against the Aussies and the Twenty20 showdown between the two countries in Melbourne in February.

"(There is) good cricket and good pitches and I think this is a good preparation for me before playing in the one-dayers against Australia. Definitely if I perform well I will go with good morale so it's very important for me," The Dawn quoted Afridi, as saying.

"I always enjoy cricket, especially in Australia and India, and I think you can learn a lot of things here when you play with good cricketers on a good track," he added. (ANI)