ICC T20 World Cup 2022: When Your Main Bowler Becomes Unfit, Then It Creates Problem For You"- Shoaib Akhtar On Shaheen Afridi's Injury In Final vs England

On Sunday, England defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the T20 World Cup 2022 championship match. When Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi was forced to leave the field midway through his bowling owing to injury, England needed 41 runs to win off the final 29 balls to take the championship match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The incident was one of the key turning points in the game because Pakistan had England under control up until that point but were forced to bring in Iftikhar Ahmed to finish his over due to the absence of their star pacer. 

When Iftikhar gave up 13 runs in 5 balls without taking a wicket, England was relieved of pressure and went on to win the game with 6 balls remaining. 

We Cannot Put The Entire Blame On Shaheen Afridi: Shoaib Akhtar

“When your main bowler becomes unfit, then it creates problem for you,” said Akhtar on Zee News. 

“Shaheen (Afridi) was never fully fit, but we cannot put the entire blame on him as he bowled well in the past 2-3 matches. 

“But this is World Cup final. Even if the leg breaks. Whatever happens, happens. Just keep running and do something. But this was not in our fortune.” 

Akhtar responded that the pacer might have used painkillers when asked if Pakistan should have rested Shaheen for the summit match against England given his injury. 

“When you numb your feet, the pain is not felt. Yes, you are risking the career of the young man. It is a World Cup final, whether you can risk or not that you have to think as a captain. It is a tough decision,” he said. 

With their win against Pakistan on Sunday, England became the first team to simultaneously host the ODI and T20 World Cups. 

“England is the king of white-ball cricket,” said Afridi while praising the Jos Buttler-led side. 

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