Shaheen Afridi Calls Hashim Amla Toughest Batter He Ever Faced

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Afridi recently appeared on the Bricks to Riches podcast, where he spoke openly about his cricket journey, his toughest opponents, and his future goals. The left-arm pacer, who is known for his deadly swing bowling, gave fans an inside look into his experiences on the international stage. The conversation touched on his duels with some of the world’s best batters and his unforgettable moments wearing the green jersey of Pakistan.

Talking About The Toughest Batter He Has Faced

When asked who the toughest batter he had bowled to was, Shaheen did not hesitate before giving his answer. He named Hashim Amla, the former South African great, as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced on the cricket field. Amla, known for his calmness, technique, and ability to score runs against all types of bowlers, left a lasting impression on the young Pakistani star.

Shaheen explained that he has bowled to Amla in both Test matches and One Day Internationals, as well as in the Vitality Blast, a popular Twenty20 tournament in England. According to him, Amla always stood tall as a batter, showing great skill and determination.

Praise For Hashim Amla’s Batting Style

Shaheen described Hashim Amla as a complete player, calling him “a very good batsman who is excellent at what he does.” Amla’s ability to handle fast bowlers, spinners, and pressure situations made him stand out. He also highlighted that Amla was not only technically strong but also mentally tough, making it very challenging for bowlers to get him out.

By praising Amla, Shaheen showed respect for a cricketer who had earned admiration worldwide. This statement also reflects how bowlers often judge batters not only by their numbers but by the kind of pressure they create on the field.

Comparison Between Hashim Amla And Virat Kohli

The podcast host then asked Shaheen if Amla was tougher than Virat Kohli, the Indian batting superstar. Shaheen responded carefully, saying that Virat Kohli is a different kind of player, but when it came to the toughest opponent, Hashim Amla was the absolute toughest for him.

His comments sparked interest because Virat Kohli is often regarded as one of the greatest batters of the modern era. However, Shaheen’s words showed that each bowler has a unique perspective based on their personal battles on the pitch. For him, Amla’s consistency and skill were unmatched.

Shaheen Afridi On His Iconic Spell Against India

Shaheen also reflected on one of the biggest highlights of his career so far—his spell against India in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. In that match, Shaheen produced a magical opening spell, taking three crucial wickets, including that of Virat Kohli. His fiery bowling figures of 3 wickets for 31 runs helped Pakistan crush India by 10 wickets, marking Pakistan’s first-ever win against India in a World Cup game.

The Importance Of Dismissing Big Players

While recalling that match, Shaheen explained the impact of dismissing key players. He said, “When you get out a main player, your team gets a boost.” According to him, such wickets put pressure on the opposition and lift the spirit of the entire team. He added that he never felt nervous during those moments. Instead, he stayed focused on his bowling and let his skills do the talking.

His words reflect the mindset of a champion bowler—someone who thrives under pressure and enjoys big moments.

Pakistan’s Historic Victory Over India

The 2021 T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan will always be remembered in cricket history. Pakistan not only won but did so in a commanding way by chasing down the target without losing a single wicket. The win was extra special because India had never lost to Pakistan in a World Cup match before.

Shaheen’s performance played a huge role in breaking that streak, and fans still celebrate his spell as one of the greatest in Pakistan cricket history. His dismissals of Indian openers set the stage for the famous victory.

Shaheen Afridi On Staying Calm Under Pressure

One of the most interesting parts of Shaheen’s podcast appearance was his description of how he remains calm even in high-pressure matches. He said that nothing unusual goes through his mind, even when he is about to bowl to big names like Kohli or Amla. His focus remains on the ball in his hand, his strategy, and his execution.

This calmness is one of the reasons why Shaheen has become such a vital player for Pakistan. Fast bowling requires not just physical strength but also mental toughness, and Shaheen has both qualities.

Current Form And Upcoming Matches

At the moment, Shaheen Afridi is playing in the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE. This tournament is seen as an important warm-up ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will begin on September 9.

The Asia Cup is always a high-stakes tournament, especially because of the traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan. Cricket fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the big clash on September 14, when Pakistan will face India once again. Shaheen will be one of the key players to watch in that match.

Shaheen Afridi’s Future Goals

Looking ahead, Shaheen Afridi also spoke about his future in cricket. He wants to keep performing consistently for Pakistan and help the team win more trophies. He emphasized that discipline, hard work, and focus are key to success.

At just 24 years old, Shaheen already has many memorable performances under his belt, but he is hungry for more. His aim is not just to win matches but to become one of the greatest bowlers in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

Respect For Legends And Rivals

What stood out in Shaheen’s podcast was his humility and respect for both his teammates and his opponents. His praise for Hashim Amla showed that even though cricket is a competitive sport, players still value and respect each other’s abilities. His recognition of Virat Kohli’s greatness also showed fairness, even while he explained why Amla was tougher for him personally.

This kind of attitude helps strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship in cricket, where admiration often goes beyond national rivalries.

A Bright Future Ahead

Shaheen Afridi’s journey is already inspiring many young cricketers. From delivering memorable spells to sharing honest thoughts about his opponents, he has shown maturity beyond his years. His recognition of Hashim Amla as the toughest batter he has faced gives fans insight into how bowlers view the game.

As he prepares for the Asia Cup and other upcoming tournaments, all eyes will once again be on him. Cricket lovers know that whenever Shaheen runs in to bowl, something special can happen. His career is only getting started, and if he continues at this pace, he could go down as one of the legends of the game.

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