Cricket enthusiasts and fans worldwide are eagerly watching the Cricket World Cup 2023, which has brought some electrifying moments and outstanding performances. However, one topic that has generated significant attention is the struggles of Pakistan’s young and promising strike bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi. With concerns about his pace, fitness, and performance, former Pakistan legend Waqar Younis has offered a valuable piece of advice – looking to India’s very own Jasprit Bumrah as a source of inspiration.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup has been far from impressive. In three games, he managed to secure only four wickets but at the cost of 139 runs. This underwhelming performance has raised questions about his fitness and effectiveness as a strike bowler. Waqar Younis, who is currently serving as a commentator in the tournament, didn’t mince words when he said, “The missing link in his bowling is discipline, and he is over-trying to get wickets.”
Waqar Younis Wants Shaheen Afridi To Learn From Jasprit Bumrah
Waqar emphasized the importance of variation in a bowler’s approach. He pointed out that when a bowler becomes predictable, as Shaheen has been by repeatedly attempting to deliver his signature yorker, batsmen become adept at handling it. This predictability has been a significant factor in his less-than-stellar performance.
In the midst of Shaheen’s struggles, Waqar Younis put forth Jasprit Bumrah as a shining example for aspiring bowlers. He referred to Bumrah as a “top bowler,” and the numbers in the World Cup support that claim. As of now, Bumrah is the joint top wicket-taker in the tournament, having claimed eight wickets at an astonishing average of just 11.52.
During India’s clash with Pakistan, Bumrah played a pivotal role, helping his team secure a seven-wicket victory. In contrast to Shaheen, Bumrah showcased a masterclass in fast bowling, dismissing key Pakistani batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan with precision deliveries, finishing with a remarkable 2-19 in seven overs.
One of Bumrah’s key attributes that have made him successful is his ability to create pressure consistently. He maintains an impeccable line, targeting the top of the off-stump, which not only restricts the batsmen but also generates opportunities to take wickets. Bumrah’s approach against Pakistan was a testament to this method, demonstrating the impact it can have on the game.
“When you do the same thing again and again, like Shaheen is bowling to get his yorker going, then batsmen know that and they are ready for it. Bumrah is creating pressure and his line is top of the off stump. He bowled so well against Pakistan and created pressure to get wickets,” said Waqar.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, at the age of 23, has already had a significant impact on Pakistan’s cricketing journey. His remarkable performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he claimed 16 wickets in just five games in the United Kingdom, drew comparisons to the legendary Wasim Akram. Wasim Akram, with 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets, remains one of the finest left-arm pacers in the history of cricket.
