It was a match Pakistan had to win in order to keep their 2019 World Cup campaign. New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first on a bone dry pitch in Birmingham. The Men in Green had to make an impact with the ball as they aren’t renowned chasers in ODI cricket.

With pressure well and truly on Pakistan, it was young left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi who rose to the occasion and outbowled senior left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz to finish with super figures of 3-28 from his 10 overs which helped restrict the Kiwis to 237-6.

It was a stupendous display of control, pace and swing from the talented left-hander.

ANALYSIS

Overs: 10

Maidens: 3

Runs: 28

Wickets: 3

Economy: 2.8

30-SECOND REPORT

Before the match started, legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram had a chat with Shaheen where he advised the youngster to pitch the ball up and not look to bang the ball in the pitch. Afridi did exactly what he was asked to, getting Ross Taylor and Tom Latham caught behind and Colin Munro caught at slip off full balls. On a pitch where the ball was holding up, Afridi was spot on with his lines and length.

GOT RIGHT

Pitching the ball up in helpful conditions and drawing the edge is easier said than done – ask England quicks who struggled to do so against Australia at Lord’s. Afridi was at the batsman at all times, managing what experienced team-mate Amir couldn’t. The Kiwi batsmen couldn’t line the left-arm pacer up and even though Amir (1-67) and Riaz (0-55) went for plenty, Afridi was a class apart.

GOT WRONG

You can’t find many faults in the most economical spell by a Pakistan fast bowler in World Cups since Akram’s 2-27 in 1999. What a moment to come up with your A game.

VERDICT: 9/10