"Nobody has such a strong bowling line-up" - Shahid Afridi's on Pakistan's attack for 2024 T20 World Cup
Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan have a formidable bowling attack for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. He opined that the Men in Green pacers make their bowling attack the best in the world.
The former Pakistan captain pointed out that the side have enough talent on the bench as well. Heaping praise on the skills of the team's fast bowling unit, here's what Shahid Afridi said in a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC):
"I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up. All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas (Afridi) have a lot of skill with a good slower ball. If the players with such good skills enter this World Cup against world-class batters they will perform well. All the names will also have a huge responsibility over them."
It is worth mentioning that Shahid Afridi was named an ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He joined the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt,
Pakistan are currently competing in a four-match T20I away series against England to gear up for the showpiece event. The first fixture was washed out due to rain, while they suffered a 23-run defeat in the second contest.
The third T20I between Pakistan and England is set to be played at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Tuesday, May 28.
"Whenever he has performed with the ball, Pakistan have won" - Shahid Afridi on Shadab Khan
Pakistan's leg-spinner Shabad Khan registered his worst-ever T20I bowling figures, remaining wicketless and conceding 55 runs from four overs in the second T20I against England.
Shahid Afridi stated that he had a conversation with Shadab following the dismal performance. Sharing details of his chat with the 25-year-old, the former cricketer told a Pakistani news channel:
"I need Shadab to deliver with the ball. Whenever he has performed with the ball, Pakistan have won. I have watched all of his matches in the past. We had a detailed chat yesterday, I asked him who is guiding him or if there is something he is not doing, how are you making such mistakes is there no one to tell you?"
"I called yesterday because I know he is going through a difficult time so I always try to help and motivate players who are having a hard time. Similarly, I talked with Shadab about what he is doing wrong and I hope that if he does [what he discussed] in training sessions, you will see the difference." he added.
Pakistan will open their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with a clash against the USA in Dallas on June 6.