Shaheen Afridi vs Naseem Shah: Who Has Been A More Lethal Bowler In PSL?

Soumyajit Dutta

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a breeding ground for fast-bowling talent, but few names shine as brightly as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. While the former has spearheaded Lahore Qalandars’ dominance with his fiery left-arm pace, the latter has evolved from a raw teenager into Islamabad United’s strike weapon. 

Shaheen, 25, and Naseem, 22, represent different generations of Pakistan’s pace factory. The former relies on steep bounce and lethal inswingers, while the latter combines raw speed with reverse-swing mastery. So, let’s dissect their PSL careers to determine who’s been the more effective bowler.

Battle Of Numbers Between Naseem And Shaheen

Criterion
Naseem Shah
Shaheen Afridi
Matches4071
Wickets41103
Average28.0421.02
Strike Rate21.315.7
Economy Rate7.868.00
Best Figures5/205/4

Shaheen’s numbers dwarf Naseem’s in volume and efficiency. His ability to strike every 15.7 balls, compared to Naseem’s 21.3, underscores his wicket-taking urgency. The Lahore captain also boasts two five-wicket hauls, including a sensational 5/4, one of the best figures in PSL history.

Powerplay Prowess

In the powerplays, Shaheen has an upper hand even if the fact that he is senior to Naseem is omitted. Shaheen boasts a strike rate of 21.3 in powerplays and Naseem displays 27.3 SR.

While Shaheen has 39 wickets from 69 matches, Naseem has only 16 from 39 matches. Economy wise though Naseem stands tall. Naseem boasts an economy rate of 6.76 in the powerplays of PSL while Shaheen Afridi has 7.57.

Death-Overs Duel

Shaheen Shah Afridi edges slightly here. His pinpoint yorkers and 64 death wickets at 8.53 economy outshine Naseem's 9.31 ER in the same phase. Naseem also falls short with the impact as he has picked up only 21 wickets in his 33 matches.

While Naseem Shah has a strike rate of 17.5 in death overs, Shaheen boasts 11.2 clarifying his mastery with the ball in PSL.

The Verdict: Who Is Better?

Shaheen Afridi’s consistency, big-match temperament, and ability to single-handedly dismantle lineups make him the superior PSL bowler. His 103 wickets at a sub-22 average highlight a career built on relentless excellence.

Naseem Shah, while immensely talented, remains a work in progress. His 2024 resurgence proves his potential, but he must replicate Shaheen’s season-after-season reliability. For now, the crown firmly rests on Shaheen’s head, underlining his status as PSL’s pace king.