ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Shaheen Afridi has been the talk of the town for not delivering satisfactory performances during matches, but the left-armer still reminds everyone of his class, just as he reminded everyone last night against Bangladesh.
The ex-captain not only played with the ball but also contributed with the bat to guide his team to the final after a nervy 11-run victory. Chasing a modest 136, Pakistan’s bowling attack showed great nerve in limiting Bangladesh to 124 for nine.
At the forefront of the attack was Shaheen Afridi, who produced superb figures of 3 for 17, breaking Bangladesh’s top order and turning the game sharply in favor of Pakistan.
The 25-year-old left his mark beyond the ball. Shaheen, entering the match-winning phase, hit 19 runs in only 13 deliveries, smashing two mighty sixes that were instrumental in taking Pakistan to a defendable score.
The all-round game gave him his tenth Man of the Match award in T20 internationals, which is now the record for the highest by a fast bowler.
Most T20I Man of the Match awards (Fast Bowlers)
More importantly, in ACC and ICC tournaments (combined Asia Cup and T20 World Cup), Shaheen Afridi also has the record for most Player of the Match awards among Pakistani players with five, which is one ahead of Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan.
| Rank | Fast Bowler | Country | MoM Awards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | 10 | |
| 2 | Shane Watson | Australia | 9 | |
| 3 | JJ Smit | Namibia | 8 | |
| 4 | Karan KC | Nepal | 7 | |
| 5 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 6 |
Shaheen’s reliability in high-pressure tournaments has turned him into Pakistan’s finest match-winner. His ability to provide breaks with the new ball and make vital runs lower down the order gives the side a unique element.
As Pakistan gears up for a blockbuster final against India, Afridi’s form with both bat and ball will be their biggest asset. If recent performances are anything to go by, Pakistan’s talisman seems ready to script yet another unforgettable night.
Most Man of the Match Awards in T20I Tournaments (Pakistan)
| Rank | Player | Awards | Tournaments Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | 5 | Asia Cup & T20 World Cup |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | 4 | Asia Cup & T20 World Cup |
| 3 | Mohammad Rizwan | 3 | Asia Cup & T20 World Cup |
Shaheen Afridi in ICC and ACC T20 Tournaments
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches | 23 |
| Wickets | 32 |
| Bowling Average | 17.90 |
| Economy Rate | 6.67 |
| Runs Scored | 141 |
| Batting Average | 47.00 |
| Strike Rate | 180.76 |
| Sixes | 13 |
| Man of the Match Awards | 5 (Most by a Pakistani) |
