Shaheen Afridi, playing for Lahore Qalandars, blasted three sixes in the final over to tie the Pakistan Super League T20 match against Peshawar Zalmi but his day ended in a bittersweet way.
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When one associates big-hitting in Pakistan cricket, they associate it with Shahid Afridi. Pakistan’s most enigmatic all-rounder, aptly nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’, was one of the biggest six-hitters in the history of cricket. But, in February 2022, one more Afridi known for his bowling suddenly had the spirit of Boom Boom in him. Shaheen Afridi, the newly appointed ICC cricketer of the year, has been dazzling opponents with his swing bowling. But, in the Pakistan Super League T20 contest between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, Shaheen Afridi did a Shahid Afridi in grand style.
Peshawar Zalmi reached 158/7 on a sluggish wicket at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. Mohammad Hafeez was in fine form with 49 off 44 balls. But, when he fell, it looked like Lahore Qalandars would fall short. But, Shaheen Afridi had already shown his intent by smashing Mohammad Umar for a four and a six. In the 19th over bowled by Wahab Riaz, he took two wickets and conceded just six runs as Lahore Qalandars needed 24 runs in the final over.
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Shaheen Afridi then decided to get Shahid Afridi mode on. After a first ball wide. Shaheen launched Umar for two sixes and a four as seven runs were needed off three balls. But, Mohammad Umar nailed two perfect yorkers and it looked to be game over for Lahore Qalandars. But, Shaheen hit another six to tie the game. After the hit, he stretched his hands out in a spread eagle way, much like Shahid Afridi.
Shaheen Afridi blasted 39 off 20 balls as the match was tied. Wahab Riaz bowled a brilliant Super Over as Lahore Qalandars managed just five runs. Shoaib Malik hit two fours off Shaheen Afridi as Peshawar Zalmi won the match in thrilling fashion. Speaking after the end of the match, Shaheen Afridi said he was focused on improving his batting.
WE HAVE WITNESSED SHAHID AFRIDI IN FORM OF SHAHEEN AFRIDI ??#HBLPSL | #LQvsPZ | #ShaheenShahAfridi pic.twitter.com/Njo2Fdfsud
— ABDULLAH (@Abdullah_Editzz) February 21, 2022
“Have been practicing my batting in the nets to ensure that I can contribute to the team with the bat if needed. Will try to improve more if possible. Talking about the match, Peshawar played really well but we weren’t good enough on the field. If we had taken our catches, we could have won the game. Hopefully, we can do well in the playoffs,” Shaheen said.
The last couple of years has been brilliant for Shaheen Afridi. His spells in the ICC World T20 2021 were a sight to behold. His spell against India, in particular, paved the way for Pakistan to win in the ICC World T20 2021 for the first time. He has been Pakistan’s main strike bowler in all formats. It is no wonder that the lad from Landi Kotal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the current Cricketer of the Year.
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