Graeme Smith praises Shaheen Afridi, says he has a lot of talent and skills

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been vocal about many things in his second innings as a commentator. Now, he has given his opinion on one of the best young finds of international cricket in Pakistan’s teenage sensation Shaheen Afridi.

Shaheen was fast-tracked into the Pakistan team after a stellar show in the 2018 ICC Youth World Cup. Afridi was the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan U19 team in the tournament with 12 wickets and was named by the ICC as the rising star of the team.

Since then, Afridi has gone on from strength to strength making his T20 debut for Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2018 and making his T20I debut for Pakistan against West Indies in March in the same year. Afridi made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2018 match and his Test debut against New Zealand recently.

The 6-foot 6-inch teenager has the capability to bowl at over 90 mph and can also hold his own with the bat. Afridi impressed one and all with his pace in the Test series against South Africa, where he picked his career-best 4/64 in the Centurion Test. He picked 9 wickets in the two Tests he played in the series.

In the second ODI as well, Afridi was the best bowler for Pakistan picking 3/44 and in the ongoing fourth ODI, Afridi rattled the South Africans by removing Quinton de Kock (0) and Reeza Hendricks (2) early.

He’s still a young man

Since Shaheen Afridi has been on top of his game in the opportunities he has got on the tour, he came in the notice of former South African captain Graeme Smith, who couldn’t help but praise the youngster.

“I’ve enjoyed watching Shaheen Shah Afridi on this tour of South Africa. He’s a young man with a lot of talent and skill, ” Smith was quoted as saying by Pak Passion.

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~Written by Jatin Sharma