Shahid Afridi, renowned former cricketer, has highlighted Pakistan’s exceptional bowling prowess for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Shahid Afridi asserts that the Men in Green’s formidable attack stands unrivalled on the global stage.
Shahid Afridi, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his explosive batting style, is a Pakistani cricket legend. Renowned for his all-rounding skills and passionate personality, Afridi’s career has been a rollercoaster of power-hitting, fiery leg-spin bowling, and electrifying performances. Afridi’s international career spanned from 1996 to 2018.
Shahid Afridi holds several records, including the fastest ODI century at the time (since broken), hitting the most sixes in ODI history, and being the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20 Internationals. He was a match-winner on his day, capable of turning the tide with a quickfire knock or a crucial wicket. His leg-spin bowling, while not always the most consistent, could surprise batsmen with its sharp turn and deceptive pace.
Pakistan’s bowling attack is a potent force. The pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah can unleash havoc with their raw pace and swing. Mohammad Abbas Afridi adds experience and control with his seam bowling. Abrar Ahmed, a talented leg-spinner, brings a fresh dimension to the attack, making this bowling unit a well-rounded force to be reckoned with. With a combination of experience and exciting new talents, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad is well-equipped to challenge for the coveted trophy.
What Shahid Afridi Said
Highlighting the depth of talent within the squad, the ex-Pakistan captain emphasised the team’s bench strength. Showering accolades on the fast bowling unit’s prowess, Shahid Afridi’s sentiments were echoed in a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He said,
“I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up. All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas (Afridi) have a lot of skill with a good slower ball. If the players with such good skills enter this World Cup against world-class batters they will perform well. All the names will also have a huge responsibility over them.”
Shahid Afridi, appointed as an ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, joins esteemed figures like Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. Meanwhile, Pakistan is currently engaged in a four-match T20I series away against England, with the first match being washed out and the second resulting in a 23-run defeat. The upcoming third T20I clash between Pakistan and England is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Shahid Afridi on Shadab Khan
Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan suffered his worst-ever T20I bowling figures, going wicketless and conceding 55 runs from four overs in the second T20I against England. Shahid Afridi disclosed that he had a discussion with Shadab after the disappointing performance. Providing insight into their conversation, the former cricketer revealed the details to a Pakistani news channel.
He added,
“I need Shadab to deliver with the ball. Whenever he has performed with the ball, Pakistan have won. I have watched all of his matches in the past. We had a detailed chat yesterday, I asked him who is guiding him or if there is something he is not doing, how are you making such mistakes is there no one to tell you?”
“I called yesterday because I know he is going through a difficult time so I always try to help and motivate players who are having a hard time. Similarly, I talked with Shadab about what he is doing wrong and I hope that if he does [what he discussed] in training sessions, you will see the difference.”
Pakistan will kick off their 2024 T20 World Cup journey with a match against the USA in Dallas on June 6.