Top 5 Bowling Performances By Shaheen Afridi In Test Cricket
Shaheen Shah Afridi. (X.Com)
Shaheen Afridi has emerged as one of the premier bowlers globally, showcasing remarkable consistency and earning a stellar reputation in recent times. The left-arm seamer's outstanding performances across various conditions and against top-notch teams have propelled him to the forefront of world-class bowling talents.
Debuting in 2018, Shaheen has swiftly risen through the ranks, establishing himself as a formidable force in international cricket within a mere five years. His cricketing journey encompasses 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 52 T20Is, amassing an impressive tally of over 250 wickets since his debut in all formats.
As a fast bowler, Shaheen possesses exceptional attributes, including raw pace, swing generation, and the ability to extract bounce from any surface. These qualities make him a potent weapon in Pakistan's bowling arsenal. His knack for taking crucial wickets, breaking partnerships, and delivering match-winning performances has consistently tilted the momentum in Pakistan's favour.
In this article, we delve into his top three performances in Test cricket, showcasing the prowess that has elevated him to cricketing stardom.
6/51 vs West Indies (2021)
Shaheen Shah Afridi rattled WI batting line-up in Jamaica. (AP)
Shaheen delivered a stellar performance for the visitors in a commendable bowling display at Sabina Park in Kingston. On Day 3, he secured two wickets, followed by an impressive four-wicket haul on Day 4, concluding with remarkable figures of 6/51. This marked his third five-wicket haul and remains his best performance to date in Test cricket.
Shaheen's impactful spell played a pivotal role as the visitors dismissed West Indies for 150 shortly after lunch, establishing a substantial 152-run first innings lead. Subsequently, they accelerated to 176-6 before declaring their second innings, setting a challenging target of 329 for the home side to win the Test. But the hosts couldn’t win the game as Pakistan went onto defeat the West Indies by 109 runs to share honours in their two-match Test series.
Continuing his exceptional form, Shaheen added to his career-best figures with another notable performance in the second innings, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in 17.2 overs. This remarkable display earned the 21-year-old Pakistani bowler a match haul of 10-94.
5/32 vs Bangladesh (2021)
Shaheen was at his best in Chattogram. (AP)
In the third innings of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Chattogram, Shaheen Shah Afridi made a significant impact, creating breakthroughs in his third over of Bangladesh's second innings. His adept bowling skills were on display as he dismissed Shadman leg-before for 1 with a sharply swinging delivery. Two balls later, he had Najmul Hossain Shanto caught at first slip for a duck using a well-executed short ball. Adding to his tally, the Pakistan fast bowler later claimed the wicket of Saif Hassan with a caught and bowled off a precisely directed bouncer.
On Day 4, Shaheen continued his stellar performance, securing two more wickets and completing his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The 21-year-old concluded with impressive bowling figures of 5/32 in Bangladesh’s second innings, limiting the hosts to a total of 157.
5/52 vs Zimbabwe (2021)
Shaheen dismantled Zimbabwe's batting order. (AP)
In this Test match, Zimbabwe found themselves under immense pressure after being asked to follow on following Abid Ali's double hundred, which propelled Pakistan to a commanding total of 510 in the first innings. Hasan Ali played a pivotal role by securing a five-wicket haul, compelling Zimbabwe to follow on after being restricted to just 132 runs.
During Zimbabwe's second innings, Shaheen Afridi emerged as the star performer with the ball. He started with the crucial wicket of Tarisai Musakanda using the new ball. In his subsequent spell, he dismissed Brendan Taylor, who showed promise during his brief stint at the crease.
Simultaneously, Nauman Ali played a key role by taking five wickets, causing havoc in Zimbabwe's middle-order. Shaheen Afridi then wrapped up the innings by claiming the final three wickets, completing his five-wicket haul with figures of 5/52. This collective effort proved instrumental as Pakistan emerged victorious in the test match, winning by an innings and 147 runs.
5/77 vs Sri Lanka (2019)
Shaheen's first five-wicket haul came against Sri Lanka. (AP)
In the second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the National Stadium, the left-arm pacer showcased his prowess by claiming five wickets for 77 runs in a remarkable 26.5 over spell. His victims included Lahiru Kumara, who was dismissed for a duck, and he played a pivotal role in dismissing the entire Sri Lankan team for 271. Shaheen's initial four wickets were secured by dismissing Oshada Fernando (4), Angelo Mathews (13), Dhananjaya de Silva (32), and Dilruwan Perera (48) in succession. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, and the fact that it unfolded on his home ground made it even more special.
4/43 vs Zimbabwe (2021)
Afridi starred with the ball for Pakistan in Harare. (PCB)
In the opening Test between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Harare, the conditions favored the fast bowlers, and Shaheen Shah Afridi adeptly capitalized on the situation. Pairing with an experienced Hasan Ali, he created significant trouble for the Zimbabwean batters. The left-arm bowler initiated the breakthrough by dismissing opener Prince Masvaure. As Hasan Ali dismantled the top and middle order, Shaheen focused on the tailenders, securing the last three wickets and concluding the first innings with impressive figures of 4/43.
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