ICC World Cup 2019 | Shaheen Afridi a beacon of light for next generation of fast bowlers, states Wasim Akram

ICC World Cup 2019 | Shaheen Afridi a beacon of light for next generation of fast bowlers, states Wasim Akram

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Wasim Akram has made bold predictions about Shaheen Afridi labelling him as the future of pace bowling in world cricket, expressing his surprise on why Pakistan took long to offer him opportunities. Shaheen had stated that he idolizes Akram while his coach compared him to the likes of Starc.

Shaheen Afridi was hailed as one of the most exciting talents to look out for in the ongoing tournament and he lived up to the hype that has surrounded him. He has taken an astounding 16 wickets in five matches at an average of 14.63. Coming into the tournament, he had played only 14 ODIs for Pakistan picking up 24 wickets, but his World Cup performances have taken him to new heights. 

"Definitely, Shaheen is one for the future, a beacon of light for the next generation of fast bowlers. Shaheen is hard-working and a quick learner so these traits will take him to places," legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram said of the 19-year-old.

He had to sit out the team’s first few games but with the bowling attack struggling, he was given a start against the defending champions Australia. He got two scalps but went for 70, before managing to get only a solitary wicket against the Proteas. Just when it was beginning to look like he was not ready to handle such pressure yet, he responded with figures of 3/28 against New Zealand and 4/47 against Afghanistan. 

"Shaheen is a wicket-taking bowler and that was known before the World Cup, so it's over me why he was not played from the start," Akram said.

He topped it all off by taking six wickets against Bangladesh and became the youngest ever to take a five-for in World Cups, beating Kenyian Collins Obuya’s 16-year-old record. His performances have drawn comparisons with Pakistani greats Wasim Akram himself as well as Waqar Younis, but Afridi has a long way to go to reach legendary status.

"I am delighted to have performed like this. But I am sure that this is only the beginning and I have to go far to attain greatness like Wasim and Waqar Younis," Afridi said of his performance.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur was not shy of praising Afridi either, pegging him to go and become the generation’s best ever bowler.

"I have seen the progress of Starc," said Arthur, who also briefly coached Australia. "Shaheen can be better than all those who are in the business, because he has that will and talent."

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