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How Did Shaheen Afridi Outfox Matthew Short In PAK vs AUS 1st ODI?

Debashis Sarangi

Shaheen Afridi removed Matthew Short early [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]Shaheen Afridi removed Matthew Short early [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

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Pakistan's ace speedster Shaheen Afridi had a dream start to the Australia ODIs with the ball, drawing the first blood for his side in the series opener at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Opening the bowling for Pakistan, Shaheen got the prized scalp of Matthew Short, dismissing him for a solitary run in the high-octane face-off. 

Matthew Short vs Shaheen Afridi: How Did The Battle Pan Out?

The incident occurred during the third over of Australia's innings after they restricted the visitors to a modest 203-run total. Opening the batting for Australia, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short tried to neutralise Pakistan's formidable pace battery before Shaheen dismissed the latter to get his side going. 

From over the wicket, Shaheen Afridi bowled a back-of-the-length delivery just outside the off stump, with Matthew Short attempting an audacious heave over the mid wicket. However, he only managed a top-edge, as Pakistan's ODI debutant Saim Ayub took a sharp catch to send him packing. 

How Did Shaheen Afridi Get The Better Of Matthew Short?

Shaheen Afridi was aware of the fact that Matthew Short loves to loft the ball through the leg side. Therefore, he played with Short's mind, cleverly challenging him to play his favourite shot. The experienced speedster bowled according to the field, pulling his length slightly back and angling the ball across the right-hander from the hard length. 

As the swashbuckling batter tried to play a non-existent pull shot without using his feet, the ball flew off the edge of his bat, with Ayub making no mistake inside the inner ring. 

Pakistan Rock Australia With Two Early Wickets

After Shaheen dismissed Short, Naseem Shah removed the explosive Jake Fraser-McGurk, bringing smiles back to the Pakistan camp. However, the hosts have scored at a brisk rate, placed at 55 for two in 8.4 overs, with Steve Smith and Josh Inglis batting in the middle.