Karachi: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi slams Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi for conceding three successive sixes in the T20 World Cup semifinal against Australia.
Saying he should have used his pace ‘sensibly’ in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup.
The Pakistan cricket team were handed a heartbreaking five-wicket defeat by Australia in the second semifinal of T20 World Cup 2021 on Thursday and it was an unexpected event as the ‘Men in Green’ were unbeaten until the knockout. Despite Pakistan’s elimination from the semi-final stage, one of the things that the tournament will definitely be remembered for is Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional display of fast bowling in the tournament.
However, Shaheen had a day to forget against Australia as he conceded 22 runs in his final over of the tournament. Matthew Wade played a sensational knock, which included three sixes in a row to complete a dramatic victory for Aaron Finch’s men.
“I am not happy with Shaheen in one area. Okay so Hasan Ali dropped a catch but that does not mean you will bowl badly and get hit for three successive sixes,” Shahid Afridi was quoted as saying on Samaa TV channel.
“Shaheen has so much pace and he should have used it sensibly. Even if the catch was dropped. He should have used his head and tried to bowl outside off stump fast Yorkers with his pace. He is not that sort of bowler to be hit like that,” he added.
The former Pakistan skipper however lauded Shaheen for his brilliant bowling display throughout the showpiece event. Afridi said he believed that the semifinal would be a big learning experience for Shaheen and he should benefit from it.
“I would say he was brilliant in the tournament and I have only seen either Wasim bhai (Akram) or perhaps Mohammad Amir bowl like this with the new ball. He is giving good performances. I hope he learns from this cricket experience and prepares himself for the future,” he added.
