Twitter/@iShaheenAfridi
Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi needed just seven balls to show his true value on the team. The young pacer dismissed dangerous KL Rahul and opener, Rohit Sharma, to leave India reeling in the fourth over. Shaheen’s dream spell worked wonders in the World Cup game against India in the 2021 World Cup in Dubai.
Glad to be back 😇🇵🇰
Alhumdulillah! pic.twitter.com/4D18vN19Ts— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 19, 2022
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India never recovered from the initial blows. They lost wickets in a hurry. The then captain Virat Kohli tried hard to steady the ship, with a gritty fifty. However, King Kohli also fell to Shaheen in his last over. He returned with figures of 3/31 and was adjudged as the player of the match. As India meets Pakistan on Sunday, all the Pakistan fans would expect a similar effort from the pacer.
Why Shaheen Afridi is dangerous
The 22-year-old Pakistan pacer is the new entrant of the famed Pakistan pace bowling legacy. The young talent is considered the Bumrah of Pakistan. He has got a lethal yorker and has a sharp pace. In-swinging deliveries are his strengths.
BIG news for Pakistan cricket and Shaheen Shah Afridi fans!
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/AyImXkbt4D pic.twitter.com/fOMvOUbf5b
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 11, 2022
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Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi is coming after an injury, which means he is unlikely to be in top gear. He bowled two overs against England and went for 7 runs. Afridi returned to full form in the warm-up game against Afghanistan and bagged two wickets in the opening spell.
The express pacer showed glimpses of his form in that game. Indian batters like Rohit and Rahul have earlier struggled against such balls in seam conditions. They would have to practice harder to deal with Pakistan’s threat.
Will Afridi shine against India?
It would depend on whether India is batting first or second. The team batting first is likely to fumble in overcast conditions because they may have a limited idea about the pitch. The mindset too would be tenser because of the big clash.
Happy birthday to Kaptaan @babarazam258 Jise Allah ne Azam banaya hai. #GOAT #KingBabar pic.twitter.com/ghY8n5NJtl
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 15, 2022
However, when batting second, India can relax a bit as they know the conditions. As a result, they would be more comfortable facing him while chasing. But cricket is uncertain, and anything can change so quickly.
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