Finally! Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Afridi takes his first wicket at 20-20 World Cup 2022 against Netherlands- Watch
The Premium pace bowler had remained wicketless against India.
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Oct 30, 2022 2:37 pm
Shaheen Afridi (Image source: Twitter)
Shaheen Afridi broke the Indian team’s back at the 20-20 World Cup in 2021. Having single-handedly dismissed Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, Afridi gave an impressive introduction to the pinnacle of pace bowling.
Naturally, expectations were huge from the left-arm pacer when Pakistan met India in their World Cup opener on October 23rd 2022. Things however did not turn out as expected as the Pakistan premium pacer failed to recreate his performance from a year back and failed to take a single wicket against India.
Following a huge disappointment against India the sights were then set on Pakistan- Zimbabwe match for Afridi’s arrival among wicket getters. Things however did not improve as Afridi remained wicketless against Zimbabwe as well.
It was in the third match that the Pakistan pacer was able to get his first wicket of the 20-20 World Cup.
Bowling in the third over, Afridi bowled a short ball to Stephen Myburgh and tricked him into playing a pull shot. The Netherland’s batter, however, failed to make a good connection and as a result of it, the ball went straight to the third man where a cautious Mohammad Wasim grabbed the ball from the air.
The left-arm pacer was ecstatic but more relieved after taking his first wicket of the 20-20 World Cup. As for the match, it was a strong showing from Pakistan bowlers as they stopped the Netherlands to a small total of 91/9 in 20 overs.
Shadab Khan was the highest wicket-taker in the first innings as he scaled three Netherlands batters while Mohammad Wasim Jr took two. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah grabbed one each and laid a great foundation for Pakistan batters to come down and win the game in the second inning.
Their road to the 20-20 World Cup semifinal has become incredibly difficult after back-to-back losses. They would not only have to win their remaining games but also hope for other results to go in their favour.
