'He was trying too hard' - Shahid Afridi critically analyses Shaheen Afridi's performance in PSL

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed his opinions about current Pakistan cricketer and son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi, after his performance in the clash against Karachi Kings on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

The Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars suffered a humongous 67-run loss to the Karachi Kings. The huge total of 185/5 posted by the Kings in their 20 overs seemed a bit too much for the Qalandars as they were skittled out for 118, courtesy of a brilliant bowling display by Akif Javed (4/28).

The match ended up being a massive disappointment for the Qalandars' skipper Shaheen Afridi, not only from the point of view of a leader but mainly as a bowler, as he conceded 39 runs in his four overs, managing to scalp only a solitary wicket.

“He was trying too hard, which is why he was expensive during the death overs. He was trying to bowl too many Yorkers, which turned into full tosses and he got hit for sixes,” the 45-year-old was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Shaheen needs to bowl from close to the stumps: Shahid Afridi

The former all-rounder was of the opinion that Shaheen was no doubt a very talented bowler, but he still was making too many obvious mistakes which was making it very easy for the opposition batters to read him and smack him for all those extra runs. He went on to add that the one major area where the 22-year-old really needs to improve a lot is his line and length.

"I have been observing him and also had a chat with him. I think he is bowling too far away from the stumps. If you bowl from far away, it is a very big thing to bring the ball back in from there. It is not very easy. I think he needs to make better use of the crease. He needs to bowl from close to the stumps. Like we talk about Wasim Akram, he used to bring the bowl back in by bowling from close to the stumps. He was trying too hard, which is why he was expensive during the death overs. He was trying to bowl too many Yorkers, which turned into full tosses and he got hit for sixes."

On an ending note, Shahid Afridi suggested the best way Shaheen could rectify his mistakes was by watching his old bowling videos and comparing them with his recent ones, so that he could be his own judge.

"He needs to watch his videos and correct his mistakes himself. He needs to remember the process from the time, when he was doing well."

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