ISLAMABAD: Shaheen Shah Afridi cut a candid and reflective figure after Pakistan’s heartbreaking two-wicket defeat to England, admitting that a sluggish middle-overs display with the bat proved decisive in a contest that has left Pakistan teetering on the brink of elimination from the T20 World Cup.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the left-arm speedster lamented his side’s inability to capitalise on a promising start. Pakistan had set their sights on posting a formidable 190, a total they believed would have tested England under pressure but faltered when acceleration was most needed.
“We had planned around 190. After a good start, the batsmen should have carried on and made a difference,” Shaheen said. “The middle overs are crucial in T20 cricket. That’s where we lost momentum. We did not bat well enough to reach the score we were aiming for.”
While acknowledging Pakistan’s shortcomings, Shaheen was generous in praise for England’s spin spearhead Adil Rashid, whose probing spell in the middle overs applied the brakes just as Pakistan looked set to shift gears.
“Adil Rashid bowled brilliantly and controlled the game in the middle phase. Credit to him. But at the same time, we know we could have handled that period better,” he admitted. Ironically, Shaheen himself produced one of the standout performances of the night.
Returning to the playing XI after being left out against Namibia, the fiery pacer roared back with figures of 4 for 32, a spell that nearly turned the tide Pakistan’s way.
“Over the last few days, I worked really hard on my rhythm and execution. Whenever I get the opportunity to represent my country, I try to give my best,” he said. “I know I was not part of the XI in the previous matches, but whenever I am given the ball, my job is to strike early.”
True to his role with the new ball, Shaheen delivered early breakthroughs, rattling England’s top order and briefly igniting hopes of a famous defense. “When you are handed the new ball, it means the team expects early wickets. I’m happy I was able to provide that against England,” he added.
Yet, despite Shaheen’s brilliance, Pakistan had no answer to a breathtaking century from England’s stand-in leader Harry Brook. Promoted to number three, Brook anchored the chase with authority, blending composure with calculated aggression to snatch victory from Pakistan’s grasp.
“His innings was of great substance,” Shaheen acknowledged. “He took the game away from us. It was a captain’s knock, possibly one of his best for his country.” Shaheen revealed a personal connection with Brook, who previously featured in the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars,
“We know each other well from the PSL. That’s why I went up and congratulated him after his hundred. Such an innings deserves appreciation,” he said sportingly. The pacer also pointed to the dew factor that eased England’s chase in the closing overs but was quick to ensure that conditions did not overshadow Brook’s brilliance.
“Yes, dew made things slightly easier towards the end, but you cannot take credit away from Harry Brook. He played a gem of an innings.”
Shaheen did not shy away from addressing Pakistan’s recurring batting collapses, stressing that responsibility must be shared across the lineup. “It’s a team game. Every batsman has to take responsibility. At the moment, only Sahibzada is playing brilliant cricket for us. Others have to step up for the cause,” he asserted.
When asked about head coach Mike Hesson’s strategy of preferring all-rounders over specialists, Shaheen diplomatically declined to comment. “I think Hesson is the right person to answer that. He may have his reasons,” he said.
With this defeat pushing Pakistan to the edge in the T20 World Cup standings, the margin for error has all but disappeared. While Shaheen’s resurgence with the ball offered hope, the middle-order frailties remain a glaring concern.
