Young Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is eager to make his mark in the upcoming T20I series against Scotland after a promising start to his international career.
The 18-year-old left-armer is the latest product from Pakistan’s impressive assembly line for pace bowlers and will be one to keep an eye on when Pakistan play Scotland in two T20Is in Edinburgh.
“I’m happy about being able retain my place in the Pakistan side and want to perform well in the upcoming series against Scotland,” the youngster said in an interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The teenager was handed his T20I debut for Pakistan in April this year in a clash against the West Indies after impressing in the ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand.
Afridi had risen to prominence in the ICC U19 World Cup.
Though Shaheen went wicket-less in the clash at Karachi, he was highly impressive and conceded just 27 runs from his four overs.
That performance was enough to convince the selectors to retain him in the T20I squad for the Scotland series.
Currently in Edinburgh, the young pacer was feeling confident about Pakistan’s preparations for the series.
“We came here a bit early to adapt to conditions and we are training extensively to improve in all departments of the game,” he stated.
Having enjoyed a meteoric rise so far, Shaheen also had some words of advice for youngsters looking to make it big.
“As a youngster, I’m proud to represent the Pakistan team. In order to get a chance to represent Pakistan and succeed as a cricketer, young players must consistently work hard,” he said.
The two T20Is between Scotland and Pakistan will take place on June 12 and 13 respectively.