I want to take on his critics right here, right now.
I think Shahid is an awesome one day cricketer. He is a genuine match winner, and has even secured probably one of the most crucial of Pakistan’s wins in test match cricket (1999 test against India with his superb 140 odd with injured leg).
So why isn’t he one of the top cricketers today you may ask! you may also argue that he cant bat on seaming and bouncy wicket. WRONG
Shahid’s below expectation performances have to be blamed on pakistani management. Shahid is always shifted from one batting # to another and asked to play defensively whereas he likes to play aggressively. If given a liscence to kill, he could be relaly effective: PRIME EXAMPLE: Shahid playing watch winning knocks in the English county where he was encouraged to play his natural game.
He is best used when he is opening the batting. As for his ability to play on seaming wickets and bouncy wickets; i think he CAN handle bounce and pace. PRIME EXAMPLE: as a youngster, and very early in his career he smashed bowlers like Ambrose and Walsh all over the park in World Series 1996/1997. Aap log khud ja kar score card dekh lein. If i remmember right, he played very crucial inning in one of the finals when pakistan was chasing against fearsome Windies bowling on a fast, bouncy wicket.
I think with more experience under his belt now, Afridi could be a real match winner- that is if he is used appropriately.
I think you are right Surdar Asif. Afridi is a good all round player! And I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be included in the ODI or Test squad of Pakistan.
you are right in some aspects...
he sure is a match-winner when he comes off. He Only needs to pick the ball. And also he is never sure where is he gonna bat, and thats the fault of the management. Anywyas he shold never be dropped from the squad.
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*Originally posted by saby: *
you are right in some aspects...
he sure is a match-winner when he comes off. He Only needs to pick the ball. And also he is never sure where is he gonna bat, and thats the fault of the management. Anywyas he shold never be dropped from the squad.
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Yeah I agree with you that he needs to pick his shots. If he picks his shots, and plays the right shot on the right balls...he can be an even better player.
I agree with you. Afridi is the one guy who gives his 100% everytime he takes the field for Pakistan. I heared his interview on TV where he said he wants to follow Imran Khan and do well for Pakistan.
He has limitations but his courage makes up for it.
He is a gutsy player and my favortie from Pakistani team. You may praise Inzamam's technique or Saeed's timing, but its all waste without guts and determination that all these so called legends lack. shame.
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Surdar Asif: *
Shahid's below expectation performances have to be blamed on pakistani management. Shahid is always shifted from one batting # to another and asked to play defensively whereas he likes to play aggressively. If given a liscence to kill, he could be relaly effective: **PRIME EXAMPLE:* Shahid playing watch winning knocks in the English county where he was encouraged to play his natural game.
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EXACTLY.....In county he was scoring like 50+ and 100+ in every innings and was one of the best player and i guess was awarded best player of the season or something just because they let him do what he wanted to and he was opening for them and was scoing in 90s for the most part real fast....he was really successful maybe the pakistani team management needs to talk to those english guyz to learn how to handle their own players.....He is a great player and he has that determination which i evident from the fact that he scored fastest 100 in his second ODI