[WATCH] Shaheen Shah Afridi’s double-wicket over in PAK vs RSA 3rd T20I
Watch Shaheen Shah Afridi take two wickets in one over against South Africa in the 3rd T20I, removing Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius to give Pakistan a strong start in the series decider.
During the decisive third T20I match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against South Africa, Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered an electric opening over to help Pakistan seize control of the match. The left-arm speedster struck twice in quick succession to dismiss both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in his first-over debut to ensure Pakistan had a dream start.
After Pakistan captain Salman Agha opted to bowl first, everyone was waiting for Shaheen to make early breakthroughs, and he did just that. Shaheen's second ball of the innings jagged back sharply into de Kock, who attempted to cut the ball but only managed an inside edge that crashed into the stumps, sending the South African opener off without scoring. The crowd in Lahore cheered loudly.
Next ball, he had Lhuan-dre Pretorius in trouble. Looking for a full length delivery over the wicket, he angled one on middle and leg that skidded through; Pretorius attempted to flick but mistimed the execution, allowing Usman Tariq at short fine leg to complete a sharp catch. Two wickets in two balls, and South Africa were suddenly 0 for 2.
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Shaheen’s fiery opening burst put South Africa on the backfoot in the series decider
Shaheen was close to completing a hat-trick when his third ball hit Dewald Brevis on the pads. There was a loud appeal from Pakistan as the umpire raised his finger but, after a review from South Africa, the ball tracking showed it would have gone over the stumps. Nevertheless, Shaheen’s over had taken its toll and the visitors were rattled, feeling the pressure from the outset.
Pakistan's bowlers kept it intense, with Salman Mirza and Faheem Ashraf bowling tight lines; so tight in fact, that at the end of the powerplay, South Africa only had put up 19/2. The body language on the field and the cheers of the Lahore crowd made it clear that Pakistan wanted to win this series.
It was only a 1-1 series and a vital match. Once again it was Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the way, ripping through Pakistan’s charge with an electric spell. It only took a bit of that fizz to remind everyone exactly why he is among the best in world cricket.
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