In the ongoing first test match between Pakistan and Australia in Perth, cricket fans witnessed an intense battle unfold on the field. With Australia posting a formidable 487 runs in their first innings, the focus shifted to Pakistan’s response. At the close of day 2, Pakistan stood at 132-2. However, amidst the cricketing action, the spotlight has been on the underperformance of Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi.
On a pitch offering assistance to fast bowlers, expectations were high for Shaheen Afridi to make a significant impact. Yet, his performance in the first innings left much to be desired. Bowling 27 overs, he managed to claim only one wicket, conceding a hefty 96 runs at an economy rate of 3.6. This raised eyebrows and invited criticism from both fans and experts alike.
Renowned cricket commentator Ravi Shastri weighed in on Afridi’s struggles during the match. Shastri highlighted the immense pressure Afridi faces as the spearhead of Pakistan’s bowling attack, lacking substantial support in terms of pace from the other end. According to Shastri, the absence of a bowler capable of consistently reaching speeds close to 140 puts additional burden on Afridi.
In Shastri’s words, the real issue for Shaheen Afridi stems from shouldering the responsibility of being the primary force in Pakistan’s bowling lineup. Traditionally, Pakistan has been known for its formidable fast-bowling attack, characterized by genuine pace. Shastri pointed out that, in this current scenario, there isn’t a single bowler in the lineup who can consistently reach the 140-mark. This lack of genuine pace not only places immense pressure on Afridi but also affects the overall effectiveness of Pakistan’s bowling strategy.
Ravi Shastri Discloses The Main Reason Behind Shaheen Afridi’s Struggles
Genuine pace is a crucial element in any fast-bowling attack. It not only adds an intimidating factor but also creates opportunities for breakthroughs. Batsmen often find it challenging to face deliveries at higher speeds, and this pressure can lead to wickets falling at crucial junctures in the game.
“I think the real problem for Shaheen Afridi is the pressure of being the spearhead of this Pakistan attack and without much real support at the other end when it comes to pace, genuine pace. When you talk of Pakistan and when you talk of their fast-bowling attack there is genuine pace all the time and you don’t have one bowler here who is even close to a 140. So that puts immense pressure on someone like Shaheen,” said Ravi Shastri during commentary.
Is Ravi Shastri right about Shaheen Afridi? 👀 #AUSvsPAKpic.twitter.com/C66Y6foxys
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 15, 2023
Historically, Pakistan has been home to some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the cricketing world. Names like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Imran Khan resonate as symbols of sheer pace and skill. The absence of a bowler in the current lineup reaching those legendary speeds indeed represents a departure from Pakistan’s traditional fast-bowling legacy.
Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of providing adequate support to Afridi. Cricket is, after all, a team sport, and individual brilliance needs to be complemented by a cohesive bowling unit. Without a partner at the other end consistently delivering genuine pace, Afridi finds himself in a challenging position, forced to carry the burden alone.
