“What Special Can He Do?” Wasim Akram guides Shaheen

19 October, 2023

Former Pakistan fast bowling legend, Wasim Akram, has offered valuable advice to the struggling left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, on how to regain his form in preparation for the upcoming World Cup 2023 matches.

During an interview with a private TV channel, the legendary Pakistani pacer, Wasim Akram, said “he has been bowling well. Obviously, his confidence will be a bit low but he is a wicket-taking bowler. Even if he is not taking wickets, he need to just be normal and don’t try to do anything extraordinary. I’m sure one good spell and wickets with the new ball will get him back into rhythm,”

Afridi has not yet met the expectations in the tournament, having secured four wickets in three matches. His economy rate, standing at 6.31, is the second highest among Pakistani bowlers, trailing behind leg-spinner Shadab Khan, with an economy rate of 6.55.

His tournament-average currently stands at 34.75, notably higher than his career statistics of 5.51 and 23.87. Not too long ago, Afridi was a menacing force with the new ball, consistently disrupting opposition teams in the Powerplay phase and seizing early momentum.

However, in this competition, Afridi appears to be a far cry from his formidable self. Alongside his reduced effectiveness, the Pakistani management is also concerned about the noticeable decrease in Afridi’s pace..

It is important to mention here that Pakistan has secured victories in two of their matches and one defeat against their arch-rivals, India.

Pakistan will face Australia in all-important World Cup match on October 20 (tomorrow) set to take place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.