In the highly anticipated 2023 Asia Cup clash between cricket giants India and Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi emerged as the star of the show with a brilliant display of seam bowling. The left-arm seamer wreaked havoc on the Indian top order, claiming the prized wickets of captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, ultimately putting India on the backfoot.
Afridi breaks apart the Indian top order
Afridi’s exceptional performance saw him finish with figures of 4/35 in his allotted 10 overs, making a significant impact on the game’s outcome. His ability to swing and seam the ball under overcast conditions proved to be a game-changer for Pakistan.
The match, held at the picturesque Pallekele in Sri Lanka, witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans from both sides eagerly anticipated the clash of the cricketing titans. Afridi’s early strikes sent shockwaves through the Indian camp, reducing them to 27/2 at one stage. The Indian fans were left in disbelief, while their Pakistani counterparts were on cloud nine. Even former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, an avid cricket follower, couldn’t contain his excitement and took to social media to express his joy.
Sharif first tweeted just one word, “SHAHEEN,” and followed it up with another tweet, “THEY CANNOT PLAY HIM.” His jubilation mirrored the sentiments of countless Pakistan supporters who were thrilled by Afridi’s heroics.
Afridi speaks about his wickets
Speaking about the significance of his key scalps, Afridi revealed that he took greater pleasure in dismissing Rohit Sharma. During the mid-innings show, he explained, “That was our plan with the new ball. I think both (Virat and Rohit) were crucial wickets. Every batter is the same for me, but I think I liked Rohit’s wicket better.”
Afridi commended the effectiveness of the fast bowlers’ plans, particularly highlighting Naseem Shah’s express pace. “The plans by our fast bowlers worked. Naseem is bowling at 150 kph; really happy with that, he’s really fast. The new ball might swing and seam, nothing much after that,” he added.
Despite the early setbacks, India’s innings witnessed a remarkable fightback, largely thanks to the heroics of Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan. The duo orchestrated a remarkable 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket, propelling India to a competitive total of 266. However, Pakistan’s formidable pace attack, led by Afridi, continued to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup.
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