According to Salman Butt, Pakistan’s top fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is highly skilled with the new ball. However, there is room for improvement in his bowling during the later stages of the innings.
Butt expressed his opinion on Shaheen’s performance, stating that his second and third spells are not as impactful as his initial bursts with the new ball. This observation was made by the former Pakistan opener in a recent YouTube video.
“He is one of the best bowlers in the world with the new ball, especially in the first three or four overs. But when you see his second and third spells, I think he needs to learn a lot. He is not the same bowler and becomes a normal bowler once the ball gets older. He has the potential and is mentally very strong. So, there is every chance of him becoming a very, very good and complete bowler.”
Salman Butt
Shaheen Afridi hasn’t had much success with the ball at the current 2023 World Cup. In his first three innings, the left-arm seamer has taken four wickets. He failed to pick up a wicket in the Men in Green’s opening match against the Netherlands, which is noteworthy.
Salman Butt defends Mohammad Rizwan’s namaz on the field
Mohammad Rizwan faced backlash for praying on the field during Pakistan’s 2023 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.
Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal also lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Rizwan of violating the essence of sportsmanship through his actions.
Salman Butt, on the other hand, stated that there shouldn’t be an issue with the wicketkeeper-batsman’s admiration. He expressed:
“If any individual is standing somewhere and praying to his God, or whatever his relation is with his creator, it is up to him. Nobody should discuss this or have a problem with someone worshipping. That’s the world that we need to live in.”
Salman Butt
Pakistan will face Australia on Friday, October 20 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.