Shaheen Afridi Back In T20Is - Decoding Pakistan Ace Pacer's Slump In Form

Shaheen Afridi [Source: @joymomul/X.com]

Shaheen Shah Afridi's recall for the West Indies series, following an initial omission, was a statement of faith in Pakistan's most potent weapon. His return underlines his new-ball menace and his irreplaceable role as the conductor of Pakistan's pace attack, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

Notably, Afridi's recent form was the talk of the town among cricket experts. His 2024/25 campaign unfolded like a gripping drama across 27 matches. Yet, beneath these solid aggregates lies a compelling narrative of dominance, vulnerability, and crucial lessons.

Shaheen Afridi's 2024-25 T20I Form

For the majority of 2024, Shaheen Afridi was virtually unplayable. Across 23 matches, he orchestrated chaos, snaring 36 wickets at a remarkable sub-19 average, his economy a tight 8.15. The early months of 2025 however, struck a jarring note. Four matches yielded a meagre two wickets at a costly 66.50 apiece, with his economy ballooning beyond ten. 

Facing Australia and elite batting on unforgiving pitches, his traditional weapons blunted. This exposed a critical need: augmenting express pace with greater tactical nuance to counter world-class aggression on flat decks. 

(Shaheen Afridi's T20I Bowling Stats In 2024-25)

This dip also whispers of the relentless physical and mental grind, highlighting the non-negotiable need for intelligent workload management to preserve his explosive edge.

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How Did Shaheen Perform In Each Match?

Shaheen Afridi bowling [Source: @fillupteel/X.com]

Afridi had his moments of brilliance against Ireland, while exposed by struggles in front of Australia. Against Ireland, Afridi bagged 10 wickets in 4 games at a devastating 11.10 average and miserly 6.93 economy.

Meanwhile, against Australia, Afridi managed just one wicket across three encounters, haemorrhaging runs at nearly 12 an over. 

(Shaheen Afridi's Performance Against Each Team In 2024-25)

Shaheen's Home And Away Stats In 2024-25

Looking at his venue stats, home comfort clearly played to Afridi’s advantage. in four matches on Pakistani soil, he scalped eight wickets at an average of 10.00, reminding all why he is the natural spearhead in home conditions. 

(Shaheen's Recent Home and Away Stats)

Yet on the road, across 20 games, his return of 25 wickets at an average of 26.00 and economy of 8.98 indicates that overseas dominance is yet to come.

Can Afridi Shine In West Indies?

As Afridi strides back onto the field against the West Indies, his recent T20I form offers invaluable insights. It showcases a bowler capable of shattering lineups in conducive settings, yet one requiring sharper variations to conquer the world's flattest tracks and fiercest hitters. 

Afridi’s success will hinge on adapting several nuances like employing more cutters on slower decks and harnessing his bounce on bouncy tracks of West Indies. If he blends his natural pace with variation, Afridi can emerge as Pakistan’s trump card in the powerplay and middle overs. However, failing to diversify his arsenal could lead to expensive spells against local power-hitters. Will the West Indies tour salvage his fall from grace? Only time will tell.

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