Shaheen Shah Afridi stated that if Pakistan had scored an extra 15-25 runs, they might have defended their total against England. In the match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan made 164/9, which England successfully chased down with two wickets remaining and five balls to spare.
Afridi mentioned that the pitch hadn’t been used earlier in the tournament and was usually favorable for batting. In England’s prior game against Sri Lanka on the same ground, bowlers received more support, but the conditions were quite different on February 24.
“On a pitch like this, partnerships are essential, and you need a batsman who can stay at the crease through the middle overs. Unfortunately, we lost wickets in quick succession, which kept us from reaching that 180-190 target. When England batted, Harry Brook was able to rotate the strike and build partnerships. We missed our chance to do the same,” Afridi told ESPNcricinfo.
“Having a partnership means keeping someone on the crease who can collect singles and twos. In a T20 innings, scoring eight or nine runs an over is crucial for building a partnership. Adil Rashid bowled exceptionally well during the middle overs, so he deserves credit,” he added.
This match marked a comeback for Afridi, who had faced challenges in Pakistan’s first three matches with the ball. He took an early wicket, having Phil Salt caught behind with his very first delivery, and ended with impressive figures of 4 for 30, including the wicket of Harry Brook, who scored a century.
“My role whenever I play is to take early wickets, which is why I bowl the first over. Today, I was focused on how to secure that first wicket,” Afridi stated.
