Pakistan teenager Shaheen Afridi in line for Test debut
Without a doubt, Pakistan pace bowler Shaheen Afridi is one of the rising stars in world cricket. The teenager's consistency with white ball has given Men in Green plenty to cheer for. And now the left-arm pace sensation is set to make his debut in Test cricket. He will most likely feature in the final Test against New Zealand, which starts on Monday.
Shaheen replaces injured Abbas in Test squad
Shaheen gets his break in Test cricket after medium pacer Mohammad Abbas suffered a shoulder injury. Abbas got injured in the second Test in Dubai, which Pakistan went on to win. The series is tied at 1-1 and there is everything to play for in the finale. Shaheen said he didn't expect to be called into the Test squad so early.
I always had belief in my ability: Afridi
According to the AFP, Shaheen stated he always believed in his ability. "If I get a chance I will do my best. I always had belief in my ability and in my hard work although I didn't expect my chance will come in Tests so early," said the pace bowler. Shaheen will be hungry to show his brilliance with the red ball.
Journey of 18-year-old Afridi started in 2017
The 18-year-old left-arm pacer impressed in a domestic match in September 2017 and from there on, he never looked back. Afridi had claimed 8/39 runs in a match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. It became the best performance by any Pakistan bowler on his first-class debut. In the last 12 months, he has seen a rapid rise. He has mesmerized fans with his performance.
A look at Afridi's career feats
The teenage sensation is already being compared to the likes of Aussie star Mitchell Starc and legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram. Afridi is just 6 ODIs old and he has already picked 13 wickets. His best performance 4/38 came against New Zealand recently. Afridi has featured in 7 T20Is with 11 wickets to his name. Interestingly, he has played just 3 first-class matches.
