Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi heaped praises on Iftikhar Ahmed after he played a blistering knock against New Zealand in the third PAK vs NZ T20I on Monday in Lahore. 

Afridi, dubbed as ‘Boom Boom’ back then for his aggressive batting style,  has awarded that label to the right-hander for his quickfire 60 in just 24 balls, smashing three fours and six maximums.

Taking to Twitter, legendary all-rounder Afridi lauded Iftikhar’s powerful knock which eventually went in vain since New Zealand edged the Green Shiirts by four runs to stay alive in the series.

“You are not chacha (uncle) for me @IftiAhmed221 you are boom boom but I wish that you had finished the match and make yourselves a memorable inning. Overall well played, it was good cricket over all, the fans enjoyed.” tweeted Afridi

Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Blackcaps for their historic visit to the country and also lauded Pakistan Cricket Board.

“Well done @TheRealPCB and thank you for coming @BLACKCAPS to Pakistan,” he added.

It must be noted here that New Zealand won their maiden T20I against Pakistan on the latter’s home soil last night and reduced the hosts’ advantage to 2-1 in the five-game series.

Set to chase 164, Pakistan failed just five short of victory as the home side could raise 159 before bundling out on the final delivery despite Iftikhar’s quickfire 60.

Both teams now travel to Rawalpindi for the fourth and fifth T20I on April 20 and 24 at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

READ: PAK vs NZ Live: Iftikhar blitz in vain as New Zealand edge Pakistan