The 2023 Cricket World Cup has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, offering thrilling moments and exceptional displays of talent. Yet, one topic of discussion revolves around the struggles faced by Pakistan’s promising young pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
His performances have raised concerns, prompting former Pakistan cricket legend Waqar Younis to provide valuable insights, using India’s Jasprit Bumrah as a source of inspiration.
In the current World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s performance has left much to be desired, with only four wickets secured in three games, but at the cost of 139 runs. Waqar Younis, who serves as a commentator in the tournament, didn’t mince words when he pinpointed the issue, stating, “The missing link in his bowling is discipline, and he is over-trying to get wickets.”
Waqar stressed the importance of variation in a bowler’s approach, highlighting that predictability, as seen in Shaheen’s consistent attempts at delivering his signature yorker, can lead to batsmen mastering it. This predictability has been a significant factor in his subpar performance.
In contrast, Waqar Younis praised Jasprit Bumrah as an exemplary bowler, referring to him as a “top bowler.” Bumrah’s World Cup performance validates this claim, as he currently shares the top spot for wicket-takers, boasting eight wickets at an astonishing average of just 11.52.
During the India Pakistan match, Bumrah played a crucial role, helping his team secure a seven-wicket victory. In contrast to Shaheen, Bumrah exhibited 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 is his consistent ability to create pressure by maintaining an impeccable line, targeting the top of the off-stump. This not only restricts the batsmen but also creates opportunities to take wickets. Bumrah’s performance against Pakistan showcased the impact this method can have on the game.
Despite his struggles, Shaheen Shah Afridi, at the age of 23, has already left a significant mark on Pakistan’s cricketing journey. His outstanding performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he claimed 16 wickets in just five games, drew comparisons to the legendary Wasim Akram, who remains one of the finest left-arm pacers in cricket history with 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets.
