Shahid Afridi: “Babar and Shaheen’s performances are critical for Pakistan’s success. I hope they continue to perform as per the expectations”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi wants to see consistent performances from ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and batsman Babar Azam, saying it will be “critical for Pakistan’s success”.
Although Shaheen has shown his quality as a fast bowler in patches, Shahid wants to see greater responsibility and consistency from the 25-year-old, especially now that he is in a leadership role.
In regard to Azam, Shahid stressed that he must put up big scores regularly in order to win matches for the men in green.
The 31-year-old has produced several impressive innings recently, none more notable than his unbeaten 102 in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which marked his first international century in over two years.
“Babar and Shaheen’s performances are critical for Pakistan’s success. I hope they continue to perform as per the expectations,” Shahid said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Shaheen was recently playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), but had his campaign cut short by a knee injury.
As for Azam, he missed Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in Dambulla as he is representing the Sydney Sixers.
In nine games for the Sixers, he has amassed 201 runs, which includes two fifties, at an average of 28.71 and a strike-rate of 107.48.
Pakistan will return to action soon as they will host Australia for three T20Is in Lahore between January 29 and February 1.