'That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do': Wasim Akram suggests PAK's premier pacer to learn from Oman bowler

Wasim Akram tells Shaheen Afridi to study Oman bowler to trouble Shubman Gill. (Photo: X)

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has advised Shaheen Shah Afridi to reflect on his performance and learn from past errors ahead of the Asia Cup Super 4s clash against India. Akram, widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, suggested that Shaheen learn from Oman pacer Shah Faisal, who impressed with his tactics against India’s Shubman Gill.

In the earlier match against India, Afridi struggled trying to bowl an excess of yorkers early in his spell, which allowed Gill and Abhishek Sharma to capitalize and score freely. Akram highlighted this as a key area for improvement.

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During the Group A encounter between India and Oman at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Shah Faisal delivered a perfect example of strategic bowling. He bowled a full delivery that swung late, coaxing Gill into a drive. The resulting gap between bat and pad allowed the ball to sneak through and crash into the off-stump, dismissing the Indian vice-captain for just 5 runs off 8 balls.

Faisal’s wicket sparked celebrations, demonstrating the effectiveness of disciplined, well-planned bowling. Akram urged Afridi to study such deliveries to learn how to unsettle top-order batters like Gill.

“That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him. They say, ‘Okay, he’ll be bowling yorkers first up.’ So Afridi needs to have a Plan B. This is the length he should be bowling," Akram said on Sony Sports Network.

"I’m fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three consecutive ones, because if he misses even one, it’s going for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. He ends up putting pressure on himself. I know he thinks he’s being attacking and going for wickets, but mixing it up with length balls is better. One yorker, yes — but not straightaway, and not every ball,” he added.