In a recent development, iconic Pakistani cricketer Waqar Younis took the opportunity to provide crucial insights to the underperforming strike bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi. The young Pakistani bowler has been grappling with a downturn in form, primarily in terms of his pace and fitness, and his World Cup performances have left much to be desired, with four wickets coming at a steep cost of 139 runs across three matches.
During a conversation with AFP, Waqar candidly expressed his thoughts: “I don’t know if there is a problem with his fitness. The missing link in his bowling is discipline, and he appears to be overly focused on claiming wickets. When you repetitively employ the same strategy, as is the case with Shaheen’s persistent attempts at perfecting the yorker, it becomes predictable to batsmen, and they subsequently prepare for it.”
Waqar, a revered figure in the cricketing world, went on to recommend that Shaheen should take a page from the book of India’s star seamer, Jasprit Bumrah, whom he lauded as a “top bowler.” Bumrah, the Indian spearhead, has been a standout performer in the World Cup, sharing the title of joint top wicket-taker with eight dismissals at an astonishingly low average of 11.52.
The former Pakistani cricketer noted the significant contrast in their recent performances when India faced Pakistan in a high-profile match, which India won convincingly. While Bumrah managed to dismiss key Pakistani batsmen with his immaculate deliveries, Shaheen struggled to make an impact in defending a modest 192-run target.
“Bumrah excels in building pressure, consistently maintaining a line just outside the off stump. He showcased his prowess against Pakistan, creating immense pressure that ultimately resulted in valuable wickets,” Waqar remarked.
At the age of 23, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been shouldering the responsibility of leading Pakistan’s new-ball attack, a role that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Wasim Akram, a left-arm pace maestro who remains one of the most celebrated figures in cricket history.
However, the comparison drew criticism from former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri during the Pakistan-India clash. Shastri dismissed the idea, stating unequivocally, “Shaheen is no Wasim Akram,” and went on to emphasize that the Pakistani star is “not special.”
Waqar offered an alternate perspective, suggesting that the absence of his regular new-ball partner, Naseem Shah, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to a shoulder injury, may have adversely impacted Shaheen’s recent performances. Naseem, a 20-year-old prodigy, has consistently proven his ability to contain runs and build pressure on batsmen, forcing them to take unwarranted risks against other bowlers, thereby yielding wickets for the team.
In summary, Waqar identified a pressing issue with Pakistan’s bowling unit at the World Cup, emphasizing that it lacks the essential discipline required for success. As Pakistan’s campaign progresses, they face a critical encounter against Australia in Bengaluru, offering a crucial opportunity for them to address these concerns and reclaim their momentum in the tournament.
