ODI World Cup 2023: Former Pakistani pace sensation Waqar Younis has voiced his concern over Shaheen Afridi’s performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Afridi, a pivotal asset in Pakistan’s cricket lineup, has encountered a concerning dip in form, which has raised alarms within the team.
ODI World Cup 2023
Afridi’s challenges seem to have stemmed from his recent return from a lengthy injury hiatus, which included a less-than-convincing performance during the Asia Cup 2023 last month. Unfortunately, his struggles continued when he faced India, resulting in a significant loss for the Pakistan side.
During the crucial India-Pakistan fixture, Afridi grappled with a lackluster display, particularly in the power play. His bowling pace appeared diminished, and his line and length left much to be desired. The Indian batsmen, led by Rohit Sharma, took advantage of his inconsistency.
Waqar Younis, offering his perspective on Shaheen Afridi’s predicament, highlighted the importance of discipline in bowling. He noted that Afridi might be over-trying to take wickets and falling into a repetitive pattern with his bowling, making it predictable for the batsmen. He further emphasized the impressive performance of India’s Jasprit Bumrah, whose impeccable line and length created pressure and secured crucial wickets.
Furthermore, Ravi Shastri, an Indian cricket commentator, echoed the concerns surrounding Shaheen Afridi’s performance. Shastri dismissed any comparisons between Afridi and legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram, asserting that Afridi is yet to reach that elite status in the cricketing world.
In conclusion, Shaheen Afridi’s struggles in the ODI World Cup 2023 have caught the attention of cricketing experts and fans alike. It is evident that Afridi faces challenges in finding his rhythm after returning from injury, and addressing his discipline and adaptability in bowling could be the key to regaining his form. Nevertheless, it is essential to support and nurture young talents like Afridi, rather than burdening them with unrealistic expectations.
