Shaheen Afridi, once celebrated as one of the most lethal pacers in world cricket, has seen a significant decline in his form over the past few years.
Known for his deadly pace and ability to swing, Shaheen was a key figure in Pakistan's bowling lineup, often leading from the front with his consistent performances. However, recent performances have suggested that the towering fast bowler is no longer at his best.
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When did Shaheen Afridi suffer knee injury?
Shaheen's career took a drastic turn after he sustained a severe knee injury during the 2022 T20 World Cup final. The injury, which was aggravated during the match, forced him to be out of action for nearly a year.
This unfortunate timing not only halted his momentum but also posed challenges in his journey to regain peak form. Despite undergoing an extensive rehabilitation process, Shaheen's return to the national team has been marked by inconsistency.
Before the T20 World Cup, Afridi had missed the 2022 Asia Cup where he was ruled out of the entire competition due to a knee problem. The injury worsened after he twisted his knee once again in the T20 World Cup final while trying to take Harry Brook's catch.
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How did Shaheen Afridi perform in Tests before his knee injury?
Before his injury, Shaheen Afridi was a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. His record was nothing short of impressive, claiming 99 wickets in just 42 innings.
He maintained an outstanding average of 24.86, with four five-wicket hauls to his name. Here’s a breakdown of his stats prior to the injury:
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| Years | Innings | Wickets | Overs | Eco | Avg | SR | 5W | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4 | 8 | 76.0 | 3.34 | 31.8 | 57.0 | 0 | 4/64 |
| 2019 | 6 | 17 | 154.0 | 3.20 | 29.0 | 54.4 | 1 | 5/77 |
| 2020 | 8 | 14 | 161.4 | 3.13 | 36.1 | 69.3 | 0 | 4/53 |
| 2021 | 17 | 47 | 292.5 | 2.74 | 17.1 | 37.4 | 3 | 6/51 |
| 2022 | 7 | 13 | 125.1 | 3.25 | 31.3 | 57.8 | 0 | 4/58 |
Has Shaheen Afridi's performance declined after his return from injury?
Since returning from his knee injury, Shaheen's form in Test cricket has noticeably declined. In 10 innings, he has managed to take only 16 wickets, with his average rising into the 40s.
His economy rate has also worsened, and he has yet to take a five-wicket haul since his comeback. Here’s a breakdown of his stats post-injury:
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Overs | Eco | Avg | SR | 5W | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 14 | 159.3 | 3.52 | 40.1 | 68.4 | 0 | 4/76 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 | 32.0 | 3.00 | 48.0 | 96.0 | 0 | 2/88 |
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