2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Don’t Write Off Unpredictable Pakistan, Writes Shahid Afridi

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:45 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Don’t Write Off Unpredictable Pakistan, Writes Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan skipper and world cricket governing body ICC’s Brand Ambassador for 2017 ICC Champions Trophy from Pakistan, has revealed the unpredictable team can’t be written-off after remarkable performance e against formidable South Africa on Wednesday at Edgbaston, in the Group B clash during the ongoing edition of multilateral event which is marred by inclement weather from time-to-time

“One could sense from the outset that the players were switched on for the big game that they had to win at all cost to remain in contention for the semi-finals,” Afridi wrote in his column for ICC.

Shahid Afridi, who has featured in five ICC Champions Trophy events for Pakistan, has revealed in his exclusive column for ICC Digital that Pakistan has once again proved that they are good at making a strong comeback after being trounced by India by 124 runs, in their first match of the eight-team tournament.

“This was surely a different Pakistani team to the one that had turned up against India last Sunday. The win today can make this side do some amazing things in the tournament. Once again write Pakistan off at your own peril!,” Afridi said.

The 37-year-old former all-rounder Afridi further went on to say that teams should not make a mistake by taking the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side lightly on the field as they’ve capable of springing a couple of chances both with the bat and ball.

Afridi is pleased with his national team’s performance, urged them to do well in the all-important clash against Sri Lanka while stating the side has a lot on offer for cricket followers, in their final Group A clash at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on June 12.

“It is heartening to see Pakistan play the way it did and I hope it continues its good work and brings smiles on the faces of our passionate cricket fans. I also feel that Pakistan shouldn’t be ruled out of title contention anymore,” Afridi further wrote.

It was definitely a different unit to look out for which saw Men in Green steamrolling the Proteas after giving their best – to stay in the competition in the do-or-die clash as the match was abandoned that went on to see Pakistan winning the match by 19 runs on Duckworth Lewis Method to threw group wide open by clinching two crucial points.

“This win will surely raise the morale of the boys and I feel Pakistan can make it to the semi-finals if it continues to play positive cricket with an attacking and aggressive game plan against Sri Lanka,” Afridi further added.

Terming it as the ‘unexpected win’ Afridi revealed the conditions were favourable for Pakistan bowlers, who according to him stuck to their basics and bowled to the plan.

“I think the conditions at Edgbaston suited Pakistan and the bowlers made full use of a slow wicket where run-making wasn’t a straight forward task,” Afridi said.

The Peshawar-born Afridi has also praised slow bowlers of Pakistan for putting the brakes on quality top-order of South Africa especially left-arm orthodox spinner Imad Wasim which further saw Mohammad Hafeez bowling the probing line.

“A lot of credit goes to the spin bowling combination of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez who got the crucial initial breakthroughs to peg back the Proteas. Imad and Hafeez bowled immaculate lines and their lengths were also spot-on,” Afridi maintained.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali’s spell has impressed Afridi as he maintained his immaculate line and length which saw the latter leaving significant impact while improving with every game.

“Hassan Ali is a mature bowler for his age, has decent pace and the ability of seaming the ball while he can also make the old ball reverse with impeccable control,” Afridi added in his write-up.

Starting off as a pacer, Afridi turned to a leg-spinner as he picked 395 wickets in 398 ODIs which further saw him scoring 8,064 runs respectively.

Related Article
AUS vs PAK: Going To Reserve My Views On Our Team’s Performance… – Shahid Afridi On Pakistan’s Performance Against Australia In Test Series
AUS vs PAK: Going To Reserve My Views On Our Team’s Performance… – Shahid Afridi On Pakistan’s Performance Against Australia In Test Series

Jan 6, 2024, 1:55 PM


AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Pacer Haris Rauf Joins Pakistan Team Ahead Of New Year Test Match Against Australia
AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Pacer Haris Rauf Joins Pakistan Team Ahead Of New Year Test Match Against Australia

Jan 1, 2024, 11:02 AM


Players Must Be Ready To Represent The National Team In All Formats – PCB Director Of Media On Haris Rauf’s Decision To Skip Australia Series
Players Must Be Ready To Represent The National Team In All Formats – PCB Director Of Media On Haris Rauf’s Decision To Skip Australia Series

Nov 22, 2023, 2:20 PM


ODI World Cup 2023: I Never Talked About Making Shaheen Afridi The Captain – Shahid Afridi Denies Allegation Of Involving In Pakistan’s Captaincy Choice
ODI World Cup 2023: I Never Talked About Making Shaheen Afridi The Captain – Shahid Afridi Denies Allegation Of Involving In Pakistan’s Captaincy Choice

Nov 17, 2023, 12:03 PM


ODI World Cup 2023: “He Definitely Has Capability To Do So…” – Shahid Afridi Backs Iftikhar Ahmed To Play Like Glenn Maxwell
ODI World Cup 2023: “He Definitely Has Capability To Do So…” – Shahid Afridi Backs Iftikhar Ahmed To Play Like Glenn Maxwell

Oct 26, 2023, 11:01 AM


ODI World Cup 2023: Captaining Pakistan Side Is A Matter Of Honour But It Is Not A Bed Of Roses – Shahid Afridi On Babar Azam’s Captaincy
ODI World Cup 2023: Captaining Pakistan Side Is A Matter Of Honour But It Is Not A Bed Of Roses – Shahid Afridi On Babar Azam’s Captaincy

Oct 25, 2023, 2:47 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner