Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has described Shaheen Afridi as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket, despite Pakistan’s defeat to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights clash in Kandy. Atherton, who now works as a respected cricket commentator, praised the left arm pacer for rediscovering his rhythm at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Speaking about Shaheen’s impact, Atherton highlighted his ability to strike early with the new ball. He said that taking wickets at the top of the order is Shaheen’s biggest strength. With his sharp pace and ability to swing the ball, he remains a serious threat to any batting lineup. In the high pressure encounter, Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets, putting England on the back foot during the power play.
England were chasing a target of 165 and lost early wickets, including Phil Salt on the very first ball faced. The Three Lions were reduced to 35 for three, largely due to Shaheen’s fiery spell. However, captain Harry Brook produced a sensational innings, scoring his maiden T20 international century and guiding England to a dramatic two wicket victory.
Atherton acknowledged that Shaheen has endured a challenging period in recent months but emphasized that he remains an iconic figure in Pakistan cricket. He noted that Shaheen’s early breakthroughs brought Pakistan back into the contest and that dismissing Brook earlier could have changed the outcome of the match.
Interestingly, Shaheen himself praised Brook’s century, calling it a world class knock. He revealed that he congratulated the England captain after the game, appreciating the quality of his stroke play.
Despite the loss, Shaheen Afridi’s performance has reaffirmed his status as a match winner and a vital weapon for Pakistan in major tournaments.
