No Shaheen Afridi In T20I Team? 3 Potential Replacements If Pakistan Drop Star Pacer

Players who can replace Shaheen [Source: AP Photo]

The inevitable happened as Shaheen Afridi was taken to the cleaners in the 2nd T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand. A better showing was expected from the Pakistan pacer, but he disappointed yet again as the Kiwi openers took him to the cleaners and even smashed him for 4 sixes in an over.

The pacer has only three more T20I games to prove his worth as Pakistan crumbled under pressure and lost yet another match to trail in the series. In case Shaheen's performance doesn't improve, the selectors can show him the exit door as the team has 3 quality left-arm pacers to replace him in T20Is.

Why Shaheen should be dropped?

The Pakistan pacer has already been dropped from the ODI squad after a horrendous showing in the Champions Trophy and was also not picked in the Test series against South Africa and West Indies. If he fails in the remaining three games, the management could take a harsh call by dropping him.

Here are 3 left-armers who can replace him in the T20I squad after this series.

1) Mir Hamza

The left-arm pacer was touted to be the next Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan cricket, but injuries hampered his international career. If the lanky pacer, Mir Hamza is fit enough, he should be the first choice to replace Shaheen in the T20I squad.

(Mir Hamza T20 stats)

The pacer has an excellent average in T20s, and is a genuine wicket-taker, something which Pakistan is missing at the moment. With Shaheen not delivering the goods. Pakistan can look into Mir Hamza as the potential replacement.

2) Jahandad Khan

The left-arm seamer was included in the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, and has already played in the two matches. The performance wasn't upto the mark, but he has shown flashes of his brilliance and if polished well, could be a replacement for Shaheen in the long term.

(Jahandad stats in T20s)

He bowls at a good pace and has a really good in-swinger. The bowling still look raw, but Pakistan need fresh energy in the side and Jahnadad could be an X-factor option for the Pakistan team.

3) Mohammad Imran

The star of the Pakistan T20 Cup last year, Mohammad Imran announced his arrival with a stellar showing in the T20 Cup tournament in 2024 and since then, his stocks have risen high. In 7 matches, the pacer scalped 10 wickets, with an economy of 8.26 as Markhors reached the finals, but lost the match.

(Mohammad Imran stats in Pakistan T20)

As the numbers suggests, he was excellent in the T20 Cup and has the ability to take wickets up front, something which the national team needs at the moment. Plus, in 59 T20s, he has scalped 74 wickets, which showcases his wicket-taking abilities.

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