Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Twitter reactions as Shaheen leads Pakistan to win vs WI | Shaheen Shah Afridi and Nauman Ali lead Pakistan to win in 2nd Test
With eight wickets in the first Test and 10 wickets in the second, 21-year old sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi has written another chapter in his wonderful cricketing story so far. His 18 wickets are the most by any Pakistani pace bowler in a two-match series, which is a superb achievement given the greats that graced the pitch over the years.
It was Shaheen and 34-year old Nauman Ali who led the way with the ball on day five after Pakistan got in front thanks to a wonderful Fawad Alam century, fine first innings bowling display and aggressive second innings batting performance.
With Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers batting nicely in the afternoon session, it was “magician” Shaheen who struck with the crucial breakthrough to dismiss Kyle Mayers and break that 46-run stand. Nauman Ali then struck with the crucial scalp of Jason Holder, who batted beautifully for his 47. From there, Shaheen finished things off with the final two wickets to lead Pakistan to victory.
It was a wonderful display of swing and seam bowling from the 21-year old right from the outset. He had the ball on a string for most of the match, utilising his height and terrific wrist position to full effect. After the match, he praised his team’s effort in what were very hot, humid conditions in Jamaica.
“Such a great effort, it’s a team effort,” said Shaheen in the post-match presentation. “The team needed from me and I delivered this time. It was tough because last day and the weather is really hot. As a team we knew that getting one wicket would get us another, so we looked to give 100%.”
The 21-year old also praised his family, particularly his brother Riaz.
“All credit goes to my brother Riaz Afridi – he’s a brother, he’s a father, he’s everything to me. Credit to my family as well who are always praying for me,” Shaheen said.
