‘Kahan hai haters?’ – Fans thrilled as Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan shine in South Africa clash in 20-20 World Cup 2022

Pakistan and South Africa locked horns in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022 and it was Shadab Khan, Ifthikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi who outclassed all with their stupendous performances. While Shadab’s 52 and Ifthikhar’s 51 helped the Men in Green put on 185 runs on the board after choosing to bat first, Shaheen Afridi’s first spell helped the team get off to a great start with the ball defending it. 

For the unversed, the fiery left-arm pacer picked up 2 wickets and conceded only 2 runs in the first 2 overs that he bowled in the match. It was a moment to celebrate for the Pakistani fans as the pacer was not getting his rhythm right in the epic India clash on October 23 in Melbourne. In the absence of Fakhar Zaman, it was Mohammad Haris who produced hope for Babar Azam and his men during the first innings as the batter scored 28 runs off just 11 balls, comprising three sixes and two fours at a strike rate of 254.55. Despite a fiery batting show, it was Afridi’s bowling that stole the show. 

Afridi ends dry phase for Pakistan

The pacer, known for his aggression and pace, went wicketless in the first two matches against India and Zimbabwe and picked his first wicket of the tournament in the battle against Netherlands on October 30. However, the youngster did fare well in the warm-up match against England as the pacer remained economical although he ended up being wicketless. As things stand, the Men in Green’s chances of making it to the knockouts look bleak.

Shadab, who scored a valiant fifty with the bat, produced a stellar spell with the ball as he racked up 2 wickets in his very first over to restrict South Africa to 67/4 at the end of 8 overs. The Proteas, hunting down the target of 186, looked in deep trouble with their skipper Temba Bavuma falling for the spinner after scoring a brisk 35. South Africa were reeling at 69/4 at the end of 9 overs with Henrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs in the middle when rain interrupted. 

As it stands, let us take a look at a few interesting Twitter reactions to the epic spells from Afridi and Shadab: