Former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis has expressed his concerns over Shaheen Afridi’s bowling form ahead of the ODI World Cup. He said that the left-arm pacer is not bowling well and is struggling to find his rhythm.
“We have always talked about how Pakistan’s batting is their weaker link and bowling their strength. But ahead of the match against India, I feel it’s the other way around. There are a few issues with Pakistan’s bowling which started from the Asia Cup. I think they have to improve here even for the games going ahead,” Waqar told JioCinema.
“Shaheen (Afridi) is not bowling well, it’s as simple as that. I don’t think he has an injured finger. He is struggling to find his rhythm and has struggled to find his form since the Asia Cup game in Kandy. So that’s a worry.”
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Afridi, who is one of the most feared bowlers in the world, has been off-colour in recent matches. He took just two wickets in two matches at the Asia Cup and has looked out of sorts in the ongoing ODI series against India.
Waqar also criticized Babar Azam’s captaincy, saying that he is dependent on the bowling performances of Shaheen, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf.
“If you are to be known as a big player, you have to score against the big teams and also captain well,” Waqar said. “His performance as a captain was largely dependent on the bowling performances of Shaheen, Shadab and Haris’s bowling. They would give him breakthroughs which made his work easier. Now that this is not happening, your captaincy will be tested, and questions will be raised.”
Pakistan will need Afridi to be at his best if they are to challenge for the ODI World Cup title. The left-arm pacer is capable of taking wickets in any conditions and can be a match-winner on his day. However, he needs to find his form quickly or it could be a long tournament for Pakistan.
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