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'Need 160 SR In Modern Cricket' - Shaheen Afridi Takes Indirect Dig at Rizwan, Babar Azam

Akshita Patel

Shaheen Afridi takes dig at captain Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @Rnawaz31888, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Shaheen Afridi takes dig at captain Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @Rnawaz31888, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

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Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi took an indirect jibe at his teammates Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam by highlighting the importance of a high strike rate. Ahead of the 2nd T20I against South Africa, he noted that a strike rate of 150-160 is essential for batters to maintain in modern-day cricket.

Pakistan lost the first T20 against South Africa in a last over thriller game. The host team posted 183 runs on the board, batting first in Durban. Meanwhile, the visitors succumbed to 172 in the chase after captain Mohammad Rizwan played a sluggish knock of 74 off 62 balls at a strike rate of 119.35. 

Shaheen Afridi mocks Rizwan's strike rate

Ahead of the second T20I of the three-game series, Pakistan’s fast bowling maestro Shaheen Afridi spoke to the media and took an indirect jibe at his own teammates. He said that while he is no batting expert, a strike rate of 150-160 is a norm in modern-day cricket. 

"I am not sitting with the batting department, but in modern-day cricket, you have to bat with a strike rate of 150 or 160," Afridi said.

Further speaking on his own plans, Afridi stressed on maximising the powerplay and hit hard lengths to fetch wickets. Having played all formats on South African soil previously, Afridi appeared confident of putting up a good show in the 2nd T20I.

"Just simple plan for me, we need to take wickets in the powerplay. The pitches are sometimes slow, so I can use my variations as well. Just looking to hit hard lengths. I have played all formats here, so have good experience. Hopefully, we can do well and level the series," he added.

Notably, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were once again trolled following their unsatisfactory knocks in the first T20I. While Babar was dismissed off a four-ball duck, the captain’s 74 runs knock ended up in a losing cause as Pakistan fell 11 runs short in the 184-run chase.

Young Pakistan spinner dropped for 2nd T20I

Hours leading up to the second T20I against South Africa, Pakistan unveiled their playing XI with the notable omission of Sufiyan Muqeem. The spinner who earned praises for his flair in the Zimbabwe series, was dropped after he leaked 50+ runs in his four over spell during the first T20I. Jahandad Khan replaced him as Pakistan opted to bat first at Centurion.