U-19 World Cup: Wasim Akram hails bowling sensation Shaheen Afridi

Former Pakistan skipper and premium fast bowler Wasim Akram revealed he sees young Akram in teenage bowling star Shaheen Afridi.

Lauding the efforts of Shaheen, the 51-year-old legendary fast bowler Akram remarks that the former reminds him of his bowling days when he used to bowl during his early days of his career.

“He is a left arm bowler, he is tall and he remembers me of my youth,” Akram revealed in a video statement for Pepsi Pakistan.

(Read Also: PCB Chairman Najam Sethi Threatens to Withdraw Pakistan’s Name from 2018 Asia Cup)

The left-arm Khyber Agency-based pace prodigy Shaheen made his first-class debut in September early this year which saw him bagging 11 wickets in four innings.

Moreover, Akram, who has a lot of experience on his back, has given a piece of advice to Shaheen – to make most of the favourable conditions in New Zealand, as the tournament is bound to kick off on January 13.

Interestingly, a future prospect for Pakistan is bound to feature in the 16-team Under-19 World Cup tournament for Pakistan in New Zealand.

Akram who swung the ball prodigiously while piling up the miseries of top-notch batsmen believes Shaheen has the lookalike action which further allows the latter to get extra bounce from the surface

“His bowling action is also identical, coming in sideways, extract bounce,” Akram added.

On the other side, Akram has also suggested the right-arm paceman, Muhammad Musa Khan, to opt for pitching the ball up on the surface, as the weather would further allow the bowlers to create more chances for picking the wickets.

Reminiscing about his old days while donning the national jersey, Akram stated he has been among wickets with the new-ball partner Waqar Younis.

“I alongside Waqar, have taken a lot of wickets in New Zealand, and our secret of success was that we used to pitch up the deliveries, as the weather and pitches allows the balls to swing, and you have more chances to claim wickets,” Akram suggested.

Interestingly, the promising prospect Shaheen also claimed the best figures of eight for 39 during the recently-concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy which was subsequently won by Sui Northern Gas and Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

(Read Further: Pakistan’s Movie Industry to Make a Film on Shahid Afridi’s Life)

Following the words of encouragement for the young colts, Akram is hopeful to see Hasan Khan-led side giving their hundred percent in the coveted competition while adding the latter has been brilliant with his spin bowling while featuring in the second edition of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators-led by Sarfraz Ahmed.

“I am optimistic that the Pakistan U-19 would perform well, as always,” Akram said.

In his one-minute 30-second video Akram also wished Under-19 Pakistan team all the best while praising the skipper and suggested the team to forget about the dismal performances while focusing on their game:

“As long as you believe in your ability and play according to their plan. So, I wish you all the luck,” Akram concluded.

It’s important to point out that Afghanistan U-19 routed Pakistan U-19 team by 185 runs in the recently concluded Asia Cup.

The first match of the 2018 U-19 World Cup will be kicking off at Cobham Oval in Whangarei between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Group D fixture.

Here’s the video:

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