Shaheen Afridi is an exceptional talent, says stand-in skipper Shoaib Malik

The ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan is taking quite a few twists and turns. While Pakistan was the winner of the first ODI, they were thumped by the Proteas in the next two games. However, the visitors, under the Shoaib Malik’s captaincy bounced back in the fourth ODI to level the series 2-2. After the game, the stand-in skipper showered a lot of praise on the sensational Shaheen Afridi.

At just 18 years of age, Afridi has stamped his authority in international cricket. He has already represented Pakistan in all the three formats and seems to be greatness in the making. In his first nine ODI appearances, Afridi has accounted for 18 scalps at an average of just under 19. Moreover, he has also got 12 Test and 11 T20I wickets to his name.

Shaheen Afridi is an exceptional talent

Shaheen Afridi had an important role to play in the fourth ODI. He picked up two wickets in the eight overs that he bowled and contributed in bowling South Africa out for just 164 runs. With the help of a 71 from Imam-ul-Haq, it was a comfortable chase for Pakistan. They won the match by eight wickets and 18.3 overs to spare.

“Shaheen is an exceptional talent, and it’s amazing how he is growing day by day. We have talent in Pakistan, it’s just a question of grooming them, and the players are learning day by day, improving every day, which is a great sign for Pakistan cricket,” said Malik in the press conference when asked about Shaheen Afridi.

This highly dominating win by Pakistan has brought an end to South Africa’s winning streak in the Pink ODI. These two sides will meet again on 30 January 2019 at Cape Town for the series decider.

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