Shaheen Shah Afridi: “I follow Wasim Akram and want to be like him”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi has revealed that his cricket idol is legendary left-armer Wasim Akram, and added that he is determined “to be like him”.

Afridi’s revelation comes after he played a crucial role in Pakistan’s six-wicket win over New Zealand at the World Cup on Wednesday.

Afridi finished with figures of 3-28 off his 10 overs in the match at Edgbaston.

The 19-year-old, who also bowled three maiden overs, dismissed Colin Munro, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham.

Thanks to his efforts with the ball, Pakistan kept their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals alive and handed New Zealand their first loss in the tournament.

“I follow Wasim Akram and want to be like him. I also take guidance from my brother Riaz Afridi who has played for Pakistan,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Geo.tv.

Pakistan’s next World Cup match will be against Afghanistan at Headingley on Saturday.

If they beat Afghanistan, Pakistan will then have to take down Bangladesh at Lord’s on July 5 in order to have any chance of reaching the last four.

However, even if they defeat Afghanistan and Bangladesh, it might not be enough as they will have to rely on the results of other matches.

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