Shahid Afridi: “Naseem’s line and length are superb, which is why I like him so much. His ability to bowl beautiful out-swing with the new ball is exceptional”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary Pakistan six-hitter Shahid Afridi said he likes fast bowler Naseem Shah “so much” because he maintains a “superb” line and length while bowling.
Additionally, he lauded the 22-year-old’s proficiency with the new ball, with special mention of his out-swingers.
Naseem missed the 2025 Asia Cup and Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against South Africa as well.
However, he returned to action in the three-match T20I series against the Proteas, where he claimed three wickets in two games at an average of 20.66 and an economy rate of 8.85.
“Naseem’s line and length are superb, which is why I like him so much. His ability to bowl beautiful out-swing with the new ball is exceptional,” Afridi was quoted as saying by ARY News.
With the T20I series done and dusted, Pakistan and South Africa will shift their focus towards the three-match ODI series that will be held from November 4 to 8.
After that, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series from November 11 to 15, and then take part in a T20I tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe between November 17 and 29.
Pakistan squad for South Africa ODI Series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem