Advertisement
Advertisement
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has picked former South Africa batting maestro Hashim Amla over India’s talismanic batter Virat Kohli as the most difficult batter he has bowled to.
During an appearance on the Bricks to Riches podcast, Shaheen spoke about his cricketing career and his future goals.
On a question regarding the most difficult batter to bowl at, Shaheen stated about the stature of Amla as a batter, highlighting his skills.
“Hashim Amla,” he replied. “I’ve played test matches and ODIs against him, and he’s a tough competitor. I have also played a match against him in the Vitality Blast— a Twenty20 cricket tournament in England. I felt that he’s a very good batsman, and he is very good at what he does,” he added.
Is Hashim Amla more than Virat Kohli? The host questioned.
“Virat Kohli is a different player, but Hashim bhai [brother], he’s the toughest. Absolute toughest,” he remarked.
Shaheen further commented on dismissing Virat Kohli and winning the match against India for the first time in a World Cup.
For context, Shaheen bowled a magical spell against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, ripping through their top order with a fiery spell of 3 for 31 runs in his four overs.
With the help of his outstanding bowling, Pakistan eventually ended their winless run against arch-rivals India in the World Cups, defeating them by 10 wickets.
“When you get out a main player, your team gets a boost, right. That’s the main wicket you take. Pressure bills on the other team, but nothing in my mind ever. Nothing ever in my mind,” he recalled.
Shaheen Afridi is currently featuring in the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the hosts UAE.
The series serves as a vital preparation ground ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to start on September 9.
Pakistan will square off against India on September 14 in the marquee event.
READ: Abrar Ahmed enters elite list with career-best T20I spell
