Pakistan have brought back their experienced players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to their T20I team for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, which will take place in Lahore later this month. The series will be Pakistan’s final T20I assignment ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Both Babar and Shaheen had missed Pakistan’s recent away series against Sri Lanka due to their Big Bash League (BBL) commitments. The team benefits from their experience and leadership abilities because Pakistan needs to finalize their player combinations who will participate in the international tournament. The team will gain from Shaheen's return because he will make his first appearance after missing time due to a knee ligament injury which he sustained during the BBL.

Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan finalise combinations before Australia series

The selectors still support Babar despite his challenging BBL season with the Sydney Sixers because he faced criticism for his strike rate performance. Pakistan Cricket Board officials have signalled continuity over short-term form, placing trust in Babar’s proven T20I pedigree and ability to deliver on the international stage.

ALSO SEE: CSK batter smashed double ton against Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy ahead of IPL 2026

The main focus of the squad announcement revolves around fast bowler Haris Rauf who did not make the cut. The right-armer has been outstanding during the BBL 2025–26 season because he became the tournament’s top wicket-taker through his 20 wickets for the Melbourne Stars. His costly performance during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India has created a negative impression which caused the selectors to rank him lower in their evaluations.

Pakistan has selected a balanced bowling attack which includes Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq as its primary spin bowlers and Shaheen Afridi serving as the main fast bowler who leads his team with Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. The series will function as the last evaluation round for reserve players because Pakistan approaches the process of choosing their World Cup team. The upcoming series will start on January 28 when Australia arrives in Lahore which creates an opportunity for Pakistan to develop their strategies for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan T20I squad vs Australia

Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (WK), Usman Tariq

Bizarre scenes took place during Lahore Qalandar’s event ahead of the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where the franchise’s captain, the left-arm pacer of the national side, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was present. It was one of the questions from Afridi, where he asked the fans whether they want the prime pacer of the side, Haris Rauf, in the next edition of the tournament. 

Quite shockingly, the fans denied the inclusion of the pacer as the video went viral on social media platforms. Haris Rauf has overall picked up 83 wickets for the Lahore franchise in seven seasons of the tournament, with 17 wickets coming in 12 innings at an average of 25.70, thanks to the best bowling figures of 4/31 in the last season.

See Also: Watch: Harry Dixon retired out after being hit in his neck during BBL 2025/26

He has been excellent in the middle overs, making it hard for the batters to play his thunderbolt deliveries, with Afridi himself picking up wickets with the new ball inside the power play. Their partnership with the ball has brought several successes for the side in the last few seasons of the event.

Lahore Qalandars fans deny Haris Rauf’s inclusion ahead of PSL 2026

The question actually came from the left-handed opening batter of the side, Fakhar Zaman, who is also a successful campaigner for the team with close to 3000 runs in 97 innings at a strike rate of more than 140, thanks to two centuries and 23 half-centuries.

Watch the video here: 

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The previous season of the tournament was his second successful campaign when he notched up 439 runs in 13 innings at an average of over 33 and a strike rate of more than 150, thanks to his four half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

In the previous season of the tournament, Lahore won the championship on the penultimate ball against the Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium by 6 wickets, where their number four batter, Kushal Perera, ended as the leading run-getter individually with 62 undefeated runs in 31 deliveries, thanks to his five boundaries and four sixes.

Shaheen Shah Afridi who is the fast bowler for Pakistan, has once again raised the level of tension regarding the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket through some statements made after his team’s season-ending match with India at the Asia Cup 2025. In a press conference held in Lahore, Afridi accused the Indian players of violating the spirit of the game by their on-field behaviour and has therefore reignited some debate between both countries. All of this information is coming at a time when the Asian continent was shocked by many incidents that occurred during the historically played Asia Cup and continues to be the topic of discussion amongst both countries.

See Also: Watch: Shaheen Afridi's rehab at NCA to make comeback in T20 World Cup 2026

The 2025 Asia Cup saw many strained relationships between India & Pakistan, especially in regards to their three matches. During their most recent match, Indian players chose to not shake the hands of their Pakistani opponents after their match, something that was considered an act of protest against the killings of three soldiers at Pahalgam. It is believed that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav initiated this action and sent a message of solidarity with the citizens of India, as well as Indian troops, regarding this tragic act. Afridi, however, condemned this action as being contrary to the fundamentals of respect and sportsmanship that should be upheld within cricket.

“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field,” Shaheen said.

Watch the video here;

Shaheen Afridi on India behaviour in Asia Cup:
“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field.”#ShaheenAfridi #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/EWxiZXgJGJ

— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) January 7, 2026

IND–PAK Tensions Spill Over Into T20 World Cup Build-Up

During the course of the Asia Cup 2025, actions on the field created a hostile environment, which led to controversy surrounding the no-handshake incident. The actions of Pakistan’s players became the subject of scrutiny for celebrating in a provocative manner, specifically Haris Rauf’s "jet crash" celebration and Sahibzada Farhan’s "firing rifle" mimic. These two incidents resulted in major backlash and were ultimately ruled as violations of the ICC Code of Conduct, illustrating that both teams had engaged in offensive conduct against one another, and created an even more tumultuous cricket relationship between the two countries.

Tension escalated even further after India beat Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup. The Indian side refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from the President of the Asian Cricket Council, and the Chairman of PCB Mohsin Naqvi (who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan) did not appoint a substitute for the presentation. Consequently, there was no presentation of the trophy. Thus, the award ceremony concluded with Team India celebrating, but not being able to lift the trophy. The stage is now set for the next meeting between the two sides in the T20 World Cup on February 15, 2023, in Colombo.

Pakistan cricket and the Brisbane Heat sustained a big blow when Shaheen Afridi picked up an injury during a Big Bash League (BBL 2025-26) match. The pacer had to leave the field with an injured leg. After which, he missed a few matches in the BBL 2025-26 campaign.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to start in February, the injury of Shaheen Afridi was an alarming situation, as he is one of the main men of the squad. It is unclear when the seamer will be able to make a comeback in competitive matches. As of now, the bowler is at the NCA to regain his fitness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared a video of Afridi's rehab season, where viewers can see Afridi's engagement in various drills. When Afridi vacated the field, the seriousness of the injury was unknown. Later, it was reported that he injured his knee. It was the Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League 2025-26, when Afridi picked up a knock while he was doing the fielding job.

Read More: Watch: Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Sharma’s iconic meeting at Reliance Foundation Event goes viral

Watch glimpses of Shaheen Afridi's rehab season 

SHAHEEN AFRIDI AT NCA. 🌟

- Time for the rehab and make a great comeback in T20 World Cup. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/B2VZ7lHHma

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 7, 2026

Meanwhile, the pacer was not in good form in the league. In that match, where he got injured, he conceded 19 runs in an over. Italian batter Harry Manenti took him apart during the 12th over in the second innings of the match. Things got worse later when Afridi picked up a knee injury while fielding, forcing him to limp off and take no further part in the contest.

Without Afridi, Heat managed to win the match. Heat defended their total by only 7 runs. In this match, the 25-year-old conceded 26 runs in 3 overs without taking any wickets.

The injury of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi seems more serious than it was predicted. On Saturday night, during the Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) match, Afridi left the field with a limping leg. He picked up a knee injury while fielding for Brisbane Heat. As per the latest reports, the fast bowler can miss the next match of BBL 2025-26.

Shaheen Afridi's poor form in the Australian franchise league continued as he conceded 19 runs in an over. Italian batter Harry Manenti took him apart during the 12th over in the second innings of the match. Things got worse later when Afridi picked up a knee injury while fielding, forcing him to limp off and take no further part in the contest. Ahead of the T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start in February 2026, the injury of Afridi casts concerns for Pakistan.

At that moment, when Afridi vacated the field, the seriousness of the injury was unknown. Later, it was reported that he injured his knee. Latest reports suggest that the bowler is all set to miss the Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat match on December 31 at the Adelaide Oval in North Adelaide. Shaheen Afridi is now going through a rehab season. So, as of now, it is difficult to say when the seamer can make a comeback in competitive matches.

Read More: Hardik Pandya to make Test comeback? Know full details

Shaheen Afridi to miss next BBL match for injury

Without the service of Afridi, Brisbane Heat emerged as the winner against Adelaide Strikers by a narrow margin. Heat defended their total by only 7 runs. In this match, the 25-year-old conceded 26 runs in 3 overs without taking any wickets.

So far, the ongoing BBL season brings a rollercoaster ride for Brisbane Heat as they won in two and lost in two matches. With 4 points in four matches, the team is currently in the third spot of the eight-team tournament. Despite all the hype, Afridi's performance remains below par. In four matches for Brisbane Heat, he managed to claim only a couple of wickets so far.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled the veteran spin all-rounder, Shahab Khan, for their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, while the uncapped batter and the part-time wicket-keeper batter, Khawaja Nafay, has earned a first call-up for the preparation of the series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the squad as it takes part in that country, where they will play all of their games. Before his appearance for the Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) down under, he was last in action during the home T20I series against Bangladesh.

See Also: Good News for Ishan Kishan fans as BCCI set to include star player in this squad

Pakistan earned victory in this series by a margin of 3-0, with Shadab picking four wickets and scoring 55 runs. He had a successful surgery to address the issue in the right shoulder and came back to action in the BBL, where he has picked up six wickets and contributed 75 runs in three games.

Shadab Khan returns for Pakistan’s T20I series

None of the other Pakistan players, including Hasan Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, have been named in the squad. All of those games in the Sri Lanka series will be played in Dambulla on January 07, 09, and 11. Babar could return along with Afridi once they announce the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Khawaja Nafay has managed 688 T20 runs in 32 innings at an average of 23.72 and a strike rate of 132.81 with the help of seven half-centuries at the best score of 68. In the recent PSL 2025 for the QG side, he nailed 52 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 173.33.

In the recent Abu Dhabi T10 league, the 23-year-old batted beautifully and was also part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad.

Pakistan squad for T20I series vs Sri Lanka

Salman Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 07 and run for almost one month, giving a massive excitement to the fans across the globe. The marquee event will be played by 20 sides this time, who are divided into four groups. This edition of the competition will be about the players and how they capture the attention.

With India hosting the tournament, there is anticipation of many sixes and boundaries from the players, who have expectations on their shoulders. The spinners will also have a key role to play in the event on the dry and spinning surfaces.

A look at the top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

1.   Travis Head (Australia)

Australia’s aggressive left-handed opening batter of the shortest format, Travis Head, finished the previous season of the T20 World Cup as the third leading run-getter. The southpaw clubbed 255 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 158.33 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

Head, who has amassed an overall 1197 runs in 45 innings of the shortest format at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 156.67 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of 91, was in superb touch even during their previous Caribbean trip. He can use his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience to earn success in the T20 World Cup 2026.

2.   Hardik Pandya (India)

For India to do well, the eyes will always be on Hardik Pandya for the Indian side to get the best balance in the eleven. He can bat in the lower middle order of the innings, besides providing them with at least three overs in various parts of the innings. Last year, Hardik collected 144 runs in six innings of the T20 World Cup 2024 at a strike rate of 151.57 and picked up 11 wickets.

See Also: England face another massive setback ahead of 4th Ashes 2025/26 Boxing Day Test

Hardik recently became the first Indian player to celebrate the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format. In the home World Cup, the Baroda player’s presence will be key for India, putting the strongest playing eleven and defending their title.

3.   Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The premier leg spinner and the Afghanistan T20I captain, Rashid Khan, was in superb touch during the previous season of the T20 World Cup. He collected 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 12.78 and a strike rate of 12.42 with an economy rate of just over six. He can use his variations and IPL experience to collect many wickets for the success of his team.

Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker in the shortest format. The 27-year-old has picked up 182 wickets in 108 innings at an average of under 14 and a strike rate of 13.52 with an economy rate of just 6.97, thanks to nine four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/3.

4.   Abhishek Sharma (India)

Since the beginning of 2024, India’s left-handed batter, Abhishek Sharma, has been India’s leading run-getter in the shortest format. The southpaw has collected 1115 runs in 32 innings at an average of 35.96 and a strike rate of 188.02 with the help of six half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of 135 runs.

Abhishek is anticipated to open the batting with wicket-keeper batter, Sanju Samson, and he will have to take the responsibility for them getting aggressive starts with the bat inside the first six overs of the innings. He was also in superb touch during the Asia Cup 2025 with 314 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 200.

5.   Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s experienced left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was in decent form during the last T20 World Cup. However, he could pick only five wickets in four innings at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 14.40 with an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the bowling figures of 3/22.

Afridi has overall collected 126 wickets in 96 innings of the T20Is at an average of 21.26 and a strike rate of 16.5 with an economy rate of 7.71. In Sri Lanka’s condition, he will be a key member to pick up wickets with the new ball.

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Who are the top players to watch in the T20 World Cup 2026?

The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature match-winners like Travis Head, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. These players bring a mix of power-hitting, all-round skills, and wicket-taking ability, making them key attractions of the tournament.

Why is Travis Head considered a dangerous T20 batter?

Travis Head is known for his explosive starts and high strike rate in the powerplay. His aggressive batting can shift momentum early, putting bowlers under pressure from the first over.

How important is Hardik Pandya for India in T20 World Cup 2026?

Hardik Pandya provides balance with his finishing skills and seam bowling. His experience in pressure situations makes him a crucial all-rounder for India’s World Cup campaign.

What makes Rashid Khan a game-changer in T20 cricket?

Rashid Khan’s leg-spin, control, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs make him one of the most impactful bowlers in T20 cricket, especially on slower pitches.

Why is Abhishek Sharma a player to watch in the 2026 World Cup?

Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting and ability to score quickly at the top make him a valuable asset in high-scoring T20 matches.

How can Shaheen Shah Afridi influence matches in T20 World Cup 2026?

Shaheen Afridi’s pace and swing with the new ball allow him to take early wickets, giving his team a strong advantage in crucial matches.

The left-arm pacer of the Pakistan side, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was expected to be a massive success for the Brisbane Heat in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League 2025-26. But the veteran did not turn up in the first couple of games as he was whacked around the park by the power-hitting batters in the last couple of games in Geelong and Brisbane.

The third game for the Brisbane Heat against the Sydney Thunder at the Manuka Oval in Canberra was another chance for Afridi to show his skills with the ball inside the power play or in the death overs. And he showed it during the clash with the old ball in the death overs.

See Also: India's Schedule - ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Squad, Captain, Match List, Players List - India Men’s National Cricket Team

It was the last ball of Afridi’s four-over spell against Thunder and the last ball of the penultimate over of the first innings. He went for a two, crashing your card as it swung back in sharply to Mattew Gilkes, who was batting in rhythm on 76 runs in 48 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and three sixes.

Shaheen Afridi’s wild appeal in BBL 2025/26 goes viral

The umpire did not raise his finger as Afridi madly appealed before sitting on his hunches and showing the T sign to his captain to ask for the review. The reviews confirm that a ball would have been gone on to smash the leg stump of the left-handed batter.

Watch the video here:

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Thunder finished with 193 runs on the board in the allotted 20 overs, with both openers, Sam Konstas and Gilkes, celebrating their respective half-centuries at a strike rate of over 140, thanks to the opening partnership of 127 runs in 13.2 overs. Afridi finished with 1/35 in his four overs at an economy rate of just under nine.

Brisbane could not repeat the same heroics with the bat a couple of nights ago. The highest individual score of the chase came from Matt Renshaw, who smashed 43 runs in 28 deliveries, but that was not enough to make it a successful chase as the home side registered their first victory of the tournament by 34 runs.

The 2025–26 Big Bash League began with huge expectations around Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, but the much-hyped debuts of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi ended in disappointment, triggering mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

Babar Azam’s BBL journey started under the spotlight on December 14, when he turned out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to an 11-overs-a-side affair, putting immediate pressure on batters to adapt. Opening the innings, Babar looked uncomfortable against the extra bounce and pace on offer. He managed just 2 runs from 5 balls before edging a delivery from debutant Brody Couch and being caught at mid-on. The early dismissal was a stark contrast to the excitement around his signing, with the Sixers even unveiling a special “Babaristan” fan zone to welcome their marquee recruit.

Challenging Australian conditions test Rizwan and Shaheen on debut

The following day, December 15, saw Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi make their debuts in the clash between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Rizwan, batting at No. 3 for the Renegades, attempted to play more aggressively than usual but failed to find rhythm. He struggled for timing and scored only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before falling to spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite his lack of contribution, the Renegades piled up a massive 212/5, courtesy of a blistering century from Tim Seifert.

Shaheen Afridi’s outing with the ball was arguably the toughest. Drafted as Brisbane Heat’s No. 1 pick, the left-arm pacer began well but quickly lost control in the death overs. He bowled two dangerous waist-high beamers in the 18th over and was subsequently taken out of the attack. Shaheen ended with figures of 0/43 in just 2.4 overs, conceding runs through no-balls and wides as the batters went after him.

ALSO SEE: Star former RCB all-rounder set to replace injured Axar Patel in ongoing IND vs SA T20I series

These early struggles highlight how challenging Australian conditions can be, especially for players adjusting to bounce, pace and franchise pressure. While social media labelled it a “horrible start” for the Pakistan trio, many also called for patience. With the season just beginning, the spotlight now shifts to how quickly Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can respond and turn promise into performance.

Twitter reacts as Pakistan stars endure nightmare BBL debuts

🚨INAUSPICIOUS START🚨

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan made their BBL debuts over the last couple of days.

Babar - 2 (5)
Rizwan - 4 (10)
Shaheen - 0 (3) and 0/43 in 2.4 overs

😶😶#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/OeAwUPnXH3

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2025

Pakistani Premium players on BBL debut.

Ling Boobzy - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Actor Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Polio Bowler - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

And they want to win World Cup 2026😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/suCOprg1hh

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) December 15, 2025

The Trio of Pakistan Looks off Color in BBL15 Opening Matches

Sixers, Babar 2 (5)
Renegades, Rizwan 4 (10)
Strikers, Shaheen 0-43

All three have a potential to Comeback stronger#BBL15 #shaheenafridi #rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/mBGnOZvJ43

— Usman Khan (@usmann_khann) December 15, 2025

Pakistan’s premium pacer Shaheen Afridi on his BBL Debut 😬 pic.twitter.com/6d7aNp87Ck

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 15, 2025

𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧!

After Babar Azam failed in his debut match of the BBL, Another two big stars of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, also failed in their debut BBL game.#BBL15 | #Cricket | #GreenTeam | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/9MopwvJqsL

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) December 15, 2025

Pakistan superstars on BBL debut.

Babar Azam - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Muhammad Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Shaheen Afridi - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

Yrrr plzzz ab aglay matches main apni aur pakistan ki ezat bacha lena...#BabarAzam𓃵 #mrizwan #shaheenafridi pic.twitter.com/FlBRt4orrx

— Saadi (@Saadi_910) December 15, 2025

Three Pakistan stars struggle to shine on their BBL debut #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/wnDWcGG9kb

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) December 15, 2025

There was a lot of expectation from Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm pacer of the Pakistan, heading into the 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Brisbane Heat. The franchise hired his services to see the veteran picking wickets inside the powerplay with the new ball and continue the same dominance with the old ball during the death overs.

Afridi had a decent start after being smashed for 15 runs in his second over against the Melbourne Renegades at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. The star left arm pacer came to bowl his third over on the 18th over of the first innings, as the very first ball was a full toss on the stumps, as Oliver Peake whacked it across the line over the square leg for a six.

See Also: Watch: "We have to..."- Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal give special interview post Mumbai's record SMAT 2025/26 run chase

The third ball of the over was over the shoulder height of Tim Seifert, who celebrated his century. However, the fourth ball of the over was another no-ball, as there were three fielders stationed inside the ring. It was slapped on the deep point region.

Umpires take Shaheen Afridi off attack in BBL 2025/26

The fifth ball was another no-ball as it was the second full toss of the over, and the batter Peake couldn’t do anything on it, and the wicket-keeper fumbled to concede a couple of byes. The umpire had a couple of words with the captain, Nathan McSweeney, and decided to take the bowler out of attack. Afridi ended with figures of 0/43 in 2.4 overs.

Watch the video here: 

Wow.

On his BBL debut, Shaheen Afridi has been removed from the attack! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/IhDLsKFfJi

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 15, 2025

For the Renegades, Seifert nailed 102 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of 182 with the help of nine boundaries and six sixes, while their number five batter, Oliver Peake, smashed 57 runs in 29 balls at a strike rate of 196.55, smashing six boundaries and three sixes.

Melbourne had a decent start to the chase as they found themselves 96/3 in 11 overs. Colin Munro remained undefeated on 54 runs in 26 balls at a strike rate of 186 with the help of three boundaries and five sixes. Their top order of Jack Wildermuth and McSweeney returned with low scores.