Is Shaheen Afridi match match for T20 World Cup? Waqar Younis questions Pakistan’s dealing with of pacer’s damage

T20 World Cup 2022: Former captain Waqar Younis questioned whether or not Shaheen Afridi was given sufficient time to completely get better and be match prepared for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup marketing campaign after the left-arm quick bowler seemed out of rhythm in opposition to India on the MCG on Sunday.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 25, 2022 18:42 IST

Shaheen Afridi gave away 34 runs in his 4-over spell vs India (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis questioned Pakistan’s damage administration with regard to Shaheen Afridi, saying the left-arm pacer didn’t take a look at his greatest throughout their defeat to India within the Super 12 match of T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday. Waqar questioned if Pakistan rushed him again into the match with out giving the pacer sufficient time to get better from an damage that stored him out of the Asia Cup.

Shaheen Afridi, as Waqar identified, was removed from his greatest, in opposition to India as the 2 arch-rivals went up in opposition to one another in entrance of 90,000 followers on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On a pitch the place most pacers tied the opposition batters down, Shaheen gave away 34 runs and failed to hassle the Indian top-order, like he did within the T20 World Cup match within the UAE final 12 months.

“This was not the Shaheen that we know. His rhythm was not there and it begs the question, has he been picked in the side too early, and is he match fit now for such a big tournament?” Waqar questioned.

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Shaheen, who suffered a knee injury while fielding in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle in mid-July, went into the crucial match against India on Sunday after bowling just 6 overs in two warm-up games in Brisbane. Notably, Shaheen’s knee injury was treated in the UK with the Pakistan Cricket Board arranging his rehabilitation program at Crystal Palace Premier League club.

TRY HIM IN TRI-SERIES?

Shaheen did not play the home series against England and the tri-series in New Zealand in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and was drafted into the XI for the high-octane contest against India.

Waqar further said when the team was in New Zealand for the tri-series before the World Cup, he had spoken to Babar Azam, Saqlain Mushtaq and the team doctor about Shaheen’s fitness.

“I asked them about his progress and reminded them no matter how much he bowled in the nets but playing in a World Cup match was a totally different situation,” mentioned Waqar.

“I asked them if his rehab was going well then why not try out him in the tri-series instead of waiting for the World Cup.”

Pakistan might be hoping to bounce again after they tackle Zimbabwe on the Perth Stadium on Thursday, October 27.

Published On:

Oct 25, 2022