Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem Discuss Performance After T20I Series

LAUDERHILL: Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and emerging spinner Sufiyan Muqeem recently had a candid conversation regarding their performances, methods of preparation, and techniques for managing pressure during matches.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaheen Afridi started the discussion by asking Muqeem about what contributed to his effective bowling display in the third T20I.

“Firstly, I am grateful to Allah for our series victory and thankful to everyone who prayed for our success. I simply focused on executing the coach’s plan.”

When questioned about his preparation routine when not consistently part of the starting XI, Muqeem emphasized his dedication to hard work and the advice he receives from senior players.

“The senior players and coaches understand the conditions that suit my bowling style best. I consistently work hard and concentrate on improving in those specific areas,” he clarified.

Reflecting on the final game, Muqeem highlighted the difficulty he encountered due to the pitch offering minimal spin.

“The match was challenging as the ball wasn’t turning much. Therefore, I focused on bowling hard lengths, and with Allah’s blessing, it proved effective,” he stated.

Addressing the topic of bowling under pressure in the final overs, Muqeem acknowledged the inherent difficulties and mentioned Shaheen’s performance in the second T20I.

“Bowling in the death overs is always demanding. As seen in the second match when you bowled, we had the potential to win, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be,” he concluded.

Notably, Pakistan clinched the three-match T20I series against West Indies with a 2-1 victory, winning the final match by 13 runs at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground.

After winning the toss, captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat, leading Pakistan to set a total of 189/4 in the allotted 20 overs.

Sahibzada Farhan delivered a dynamic innings, scoring 74 runs off 53 balls, including five sixes and three fours.

Saim Ayub also achieved his second half-century of the series, contributing 66 runs off 49 balls with two sixes and four fours.

From the West Indies side, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, and Shamar Joseph each secured one wicket.

In pursuit of the 190-run target, West Indies fought hard but were limited to 176/6 in 20 overs.

Alick Athanaze played aggressively, scoring 60 runs off 40 balls, featuring one six and eight fours, though his efforts were ultimately in vain.

Sherfane Rutherford also contributed a rapid 51 runs off 35 balls, hitting three sixes and four fours, but it wasn’t enough to ensure victory.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem each claimed a wicket.