Shahid Afridi recently announced his retirement from International Cricket during a presentation ceremony of a Pakistan Premier League match between Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings, in which Afridi registered a 54 off 28 stand in his trademark ‘boom boom’. However, his team Peshawar Zalmi couldn’t turn the result in its favour.
When we talk about a cricket fan, he/she loves the game irrespective of the teams that are playing. There are players, who leave a legendary legacy behind them and for cricketing fans, Shahid Afridi is one of them. Despite being subjected to several controversies during his 21-year long career, he is undoubtedly one of the best things that ever happened on the Pakistani side, be it the Test or limited-overs cricket.
When Pakistan was struggling to build a strong batting lineup in the 90’s, there was a player that entered the squad and paved way for Pakistan to achieve what they deserve. Shahid Afridi, a youngster, playing against the ‘fireball’ bowling attack of Sri Lanka, did the unexpected in 1996, by smashing the ball through the boundary like on every freaking delivery and making 103 runs off just 37 balls (a record at that time) in just his second match.
Let’s just relive those moments:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYuvfhy_l2c
(Video Courtesy: Saad Akram)
That standout performance marked the entry of a ‘Beast Of A Batsman’, who over the time evolved and became one of the best finishers in International Cricket.
We have gathered some class defining innings played by Shahid Afridi and what’s best than starting with the 158 meter six he blasted against a South African seamer. The hit was so big, that it went out of t6he ground and MAN!! the knock sounded really intimidating.
The moment it touched the bat, the ball was bound for a Maximum!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhoF08gHuXI
(Video Courtesy: Prince Salman)
Asia Cup 2014, the clash among the best of sub-continent teams, saw not one but two of the jaw-dropping, match-winnings stands from the player.
2nd March, 2014: India vs Pakistan, the impossible game for Pakistan but the last minute finish by Afridi made it ‘I M Possible’. The nail-biting last over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmP33Xgne3w
(Video Courtesy: MSK)
The former Pakistani skipper is called ‘Boom Boom Afridi’ for a reason. On 4th March 2014, we witnessed another masterclass performance from Shahid Afridi, in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyXzWwN42DA
(Video Courtesy: CUTE ZARDARI)
These innings just give an insight of the talent that Afridi ‘never boasted of’ and for me, when T20 Cricket was first introduced, he was the perfect package for Pakistan at that time.
Shahid Afridi has now announced his retirement from International Cricket but has promised his fans to feature in the next seasons of Pakistan Premier League, and going buy his current performance, we will definitely see many Maximums in these two years.
P.S. Pakistan Cricket Team is witnessing the worst season so far, and for the love I have for Cricket, I hope to see another Boom Boom in the squad, soon.