Shaheen Afridi recalls Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2022 defeat

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi feels his team could have won the 2022 T20 World Cup Final against England if he had not been injured. Afridi’s injury saga began with a ligament issue on his right knee sustained during a boundary dive during Pakistan’s Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. Notably, he had suffered many setbacks since then, which grabbed magnified attention following a knee injury during the T20 World Cup final in 2022.

While speaking about his injuries, Afridi acknowledged the impact they played at significant times in his career. The 23-year-old injured his knee when taking an important catch in the T20 World Cup final against England, stopping him from bowling further. He said that if he had stayed in the game until the end, Pakistan could have won the title.

“Obviously, it’s every player’s dream to win a World Cup for his country and I still remember 2021, how that ended. And in this tournament (2022), if I didn’t get injured at such a crucial moment, maybe we could’ve won. Maybe if I had stayed fit and bowled. Injuries can happen at any time,” Afridi told ESPNcricinfo.

‘I’ve been feeling good’ – Afridi on his pace and bowling performance

Afridi said that everyone had a view about his pace but he had been feeling fine. He also stated that taking wickets and giving his 100 percent on the pitch is what was of utmost significance to him. He further added that while speed wasn’t as important, if there had been a dip, it would improve over time.

“Everyone has a view about it [the pace], but I’ve been feeling good. You look at yourself, even if you are bowling 110kmph and taking wickets, you’re feeling good. I took wickets. I gave 100 percent in the field, that matters more. Speed doesn’t matter as much but if there has been a dip, it will improve with time,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, the speedster is focused more on contributing to Pakistan’s success. In recent encounters, he picked up 19 wickets for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League 2023 (PSL), six in T20Is, and eight in ODIs against New Zealand.