Waqar Younis, a former Pakistan cricket legend, has offered advise to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has struggled in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Younis urged that Shaheen Afridi look to India’s Jasprit Bumrah for inspiration in the event.
Shaheen Afridi struggled with his pace and conditioning during the World Cup and was not at his best. He has taken four wickets in three games while giving 139 runs.
Waqar Younis underlined the importance of discipline in Afridi’s bowling, claiming that he was trying too hard to obtain wickets, which allowed batters to foresee his methods.
Younis applauded Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a top bowler who can build pressure by maintaining a steady line and length. With eight wickets at an outstanding average of 11.52, Bumrah is now one of the top wicket-takers in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Pakistan lost to India, with Shaheen Afridi unable to defend a low goal of 192 runs.
In contrast, Bumrah was instrumental for India, capturing two key wickets during the game.
Younis acknowledged Shaheen Afridi’s potential as a great bowler, but claimed that his performance may have been hampered by the absence of his normal new-ball partner, Naseem Shah, owing to injury.
Waqar observed that the presence of Naseem Shah frequently created pressure, allowing other bowlers to take wickets as batsmen took chances.
Furthermore, Waqar Younis raised concern about Pakistan’s bowling discipline during the World Cup, adding that the squad should keep things simple.
Pakistan has won two of their three tournament games and will face Australia in their next match in Bengaluru.
The former great’s counsel is to assisting Shaheen Afridi in regaining his form and playing an important role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign.
