Asia Cup 2018: Shaheen Shah Afridi has determined whose footsteps he wants to follow

Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as one of the brightest prospects of Pakistan cricket. Earlier this year, the left-handed fast-bowler played for Pakistan U19 in the World Cup, hosted by New Zealand. He was also one of the primary reasons why his team progressed to the semi-final against Prithvi Shaw’s India. His performances didn’t elude the selectors’ eyes by any means, they didn’t deserve to.

A month later, he donned the national colours during the Men in Green’s three-match T20I series against the Windies at the iconic Karachi National Stadium. Thereafter, he played a couple of T20Is against Australia at Harare Sports Club. In a short T20I career, the speedster already boasts of wickets like Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, two of the most explosive batters doing the rounds.

I hope to do what they have done for Pakistan

Recently, he made his debut in the Asia Cup and captured the imagination of supporters. He might be 18-years old, but there’s no shortage of intensity when the Khyber Agency-born cricketer run in to bowl. In the meantime, the pugnacious potential expressed his desire to follow the footsteps of former left-armer Wasim Akram, one of the greatest bowlers Pakistan have ever produced.

“Wasim Akram is a legend and since childhood, I wanted to follow him. It is impossible to be like him but I wish to follow in his footsteps. Waqar Younis is another bowler who is close to my heart and I hope to do what they have done for Pakistan,” Afridi was quoted as saying in Pak Passion.

He made his ODI debut in Pakistan’s Super 4 match against Afghanistan and impressed right away with figures of 2/38 in his 10 overs. He nipped out the prized scalps of Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi. He was unlucky not to have picked up a wicket against India owing to Pakistan’s poor fielding. Against Bangladesh, the Young Turk picked up Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim.

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