Aaqib Javed Asks Shaheen To Improve His Performance; Hints At Big Changes For 3rd T20I

Pakistan to drop Shaheen Afridi? [Source: @FaridKhan/X.com]

Pakistan head coach, Aaqib Javed has given a stern warning to Shaheen Afridi and has urged the pacer to improve his performance in the T20Is. The star Pakistan seamer came under heavy scrutiny after shambolic showing in the first two T20Is where the Kiwi batters took him to the cleaners.

Shaheen to be dropped for 3rd T20I?

The pacer also had a dismal showing in the Champions Trophy as he managed to pick up just 2 wickets and couldn't deliver the goods as Pakistan crashed out of the tournament in the group stage. As a result, he was also dropped from the ODI squad for the New Zealand series.

With the third T20I against the Kiwis taking place tomorrow, head coach, Aaqib Javed spoke to the reporters and had numerous issues to talk about, including Shaheen's place in the side.

"Shaheen started brilliantly, but injuries have affected his game. He needs to elevate his performance," Javed remarked, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

We are going to make a few chances for the next game and whoever performs in these conditions will serve Pakistan in the longer run."

Shaheen's average showing in T20I series so far

In the first T20I, Shaheen was expected to lead the pace attack in the absence of Haris Rauf, but the pacer disappointed as he conceded 17 runs in 2 overs and couldn't pick up a wicket. The worse was about to come as the story continued in the 2nd T20I as well.

In 3 overs he went for 31 runs and also conceded 4 sixes against Tim Seifert as the Kiwis won the match and thus, took a 2-0 lead in the series. With a do-or-die game looming over, Aaqib Javed could take a tough call by dropping Shaheen for the next T20I.

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