Direct comparison: Wasim Akram THEN vs Shaheen Shah Afridi NOW

[Junaids]

Think back to 1984-85.

On 8 November 1984, Wasim Akram makes his First Class debut at Rawalpindi against the touring New Zealanders.

He is 18 years 5 months old. He is a skinny youngster but 6'3 tall.

He takes 7-50 in the First Innings - on First Class debut. In the Second Innings he takes 2-54.

Eight weeks later - aged 18 years and 7 months - he makes his Test debut in the Second Test against New Zealand at Auckland. It is his THIRD ever First Class match.

New Zealand were the world's Number 3 ranked team. Later that year they would win a Test series IN AUSTRALIA.

In the Second Test at Auckland, Wasim Akram took 2-105 - the precious wickets of John Wright and Ian Smith.

In the Third Test at Dunedin, Wasim Akram IN HIS SECOND TEST, AGED 18 took 5-56 and 5-72.

Flash forward to 2018.

Pakistan is about to tour South Africa. Their batting is far weaker than the 1985 Kiwi line-up of Wright, Martin Crowe, Howarth, Reid, Hadlee, Smith and Coney.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will be 18 years and 8 months old when the First Test starts. He is 3 inches taller than Wasim Akram and around 10K quicker than Wasim was at the same age.

The pitches at Centurion and Johannesburg will be faster, bouncier and better suited to his speed and height than those that Wasim Akram endured in New Zealand.

Wasim Akram had made his First Class debut 8 weeks before his Test debut - and he took 7-50.

Shaheen Shah Afridi made his First Class debut 14 months before the First Test in SA. He took 8-39 in the Second Innings.

Like Wasim Akram, he has played 2 First Class matches so far. He has 11 wickets at a bowling average of 17.27.

The similarities are absolutely striking.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Shaheen will not come anywhere close to Wasim Akram - Fact!

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Unimpressive thread.

Looks worse than Kohli vs Rahul one.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Here we go. I was wondering if I'm missing this thread or people aren't stupid anymore. But no I was wrong.

 

[todfod 11]

Its a thread just out of excitment .. I hope Shaheen doesnt come across it.. he would be under so much pressure or will overly confident...

 

[Destroyer88]

Very harsh comments for this thread. 8 do think shaheen is an exciting prospect but to induct him into the test team that early may produce adverse results. He is too young and could be injury prone. I personally find him really impressivr and the pace with what he bowls. He definitely should be a part of the team when it tours SAF

 

[angrypathan]

Except Shaheen has half the skills. Nevertheless I too would like him to play against South Africa

 

[MMHS]

I don’t think, there is any similarities between the two in this God forsaken world of cricket. Junaids didn’t mention another master piece - 5/21 at MCG against AUS a month later - he literally scared Aussies with his pace & bounce (No, Shahin isn’t quicker than Wasim of 1985).

But, I guess Junaids is coming from a different angle, which I agree. With 3 FC games & 3/4 List A games, Was was world class, which tells me - If you are good enough, you are old/experience enough. Wasim Akram doesn’t come in every century, but this kid Shahin is best available now (among young pacers) - should be trusted more than few PAK is trying time & again oblate for their experience. At least, should be taken in squad (of SAF Test) - after that, if he is impressive in nets & side games, why not? Can’t do worse than Wahab in Dubai Test.

 

[jeetu]

Wasim was very lucky to be groomed by Imran Khan. Afridi doesn't have that luxury. Doesn't mean that Afridi can' be next the Akram. Selectors , Coach and Captain needs to manage him carefully for that to happen. Patience is the key.

 

[ShahidDar08]

First impressions of Shaheen are not so pleasing, though he will get better and better if he stays fit.

 

[Syed1]

Shaheen cannot polish the shoes of the guy who polishes Wasim's shoes.

 

[WengerOut]

Shaheen cannot polish the shoes of the guy who polishes Wasim's shoes.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Honestly I'm not super impressed by Shaheen Afridi. Shows some great potential but should be properly groomed. Needs more experience.

 

[Fahdi]

Talk about a premature comparison.

I understand that Shaheen has potential but he hasn't even shown us anything extraordinary. How many unplayable deliveries has he produced? How many times has he had batsmen hopping around or wearing one on the helmet?

 

[Saj]

Wasim was on a different level.

The first time I saw him was in an ODI in Australia where he was swinging the ball at high speed. The Aussie broadcasters were drooling over his bowling.

Shaheen is nowhere near what Wasim was.

 

[Sirris]

Seeing how Wasim had played little first class cricket makes me wonder what kind of a natural talent he was. I only had the pleasure to see him on TV in the late 90s.

 

[Savak]

I haven't seen Shaheen Afridi really use his height that effectively.

 

[CricketDon]

How is this even a legitimate thread?

 

[topspin]

I love how everyone is writing off Shaheen and failed to grasp the OP. No one is saying Shaheen is going to be Wasim Akram or is the equivalent level of him (when he was the same age).

Although I've been critical of [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] last week over his views on the old era of cricketers, but at the same time I've given him the credit he deserves for his ability to read the game in the current times. Speaking of which I know for sure he is reading this better than most of the dismissive views of Shaheen that I see here.

Shaheen has the skills along with the extra pace and height that will be needed in South Africa. Truth be told when was the last time Pakistan had a genuinely tall bowler (6"4) who had the bowling skills (swing and seam) and touch 150 pace?

OR we can play the waiting game year after year and let him rot in what possibly is the worst domestic cricket structure in the wold of all major playing nations.

Irony is that many of those who are writing him off have different standards for other players and back far more mediocre cricketers in the team.

3 main pacers in SA have to be: Abbas and two of Amir/Hasan Ali/Shaheen/Junaid/Rahat/Mir Hamza/Wahab - assuming Faheem plays as the 4th seamer.

Hasan Ali isn't in great form and I don't rate Junaid, Rahat, Mir Hamza and Wahab, so it's not like we have much choice but we're acting like we have a pace attack of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins?!

Abbas, Amir and Shaheen should be the 3 strike bowlers in the side with Faheem as the utility man.

Rant over.

 

[Junaids]

I love how everyone is writing off Shaheen and failed to grasp the OP. No one is saying Shaheen is going to be Wasim Akram or is the equivalent level of him (when he was the same age).

Although I've been critical of [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] last week over his views on the old era of cricketers, but at the same time I've given him the credit he deserves for his ability to read the game in the current times. Speaking of which I know for sure he is reading this better than most of the dismissive views of Shaheen that I see here.

Shaheen has the skills along with the extra pace and height that will be needed in South Africa. Truth be told when was the last time Pakistan had a genuinely tall bowler (6"4) who had the bowling skills (swing and seam) and touch 150 pace?

OR we can play the waiting game year after year and let him rot in what possibly is the worst domestic cricket structure in the wold of all major playing nations.

Irony is that many of those who are writing him off have different standards for other players and back far more mediocre cricketers in the team.

3 main pacers in SA have to be: Abbas and two of Amir/Hasan Ali/Shaheen/Junaid/Rahat/Mir Hamza/Wahab - assuming Faheem plays as the 4th seamer.

Hasan Ali isn't in great form and I don't rate Junaid, Rahat, Mir Hamza and Wahab, so it's not like we have much choice but we're acting like we have a pace attack of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins?!

Abbas, Amir and Shaheen should be the 3 strike bowlers in the side with Faheem as the utility man.

Rant over.

Thank you!

Yes, Wasim Akram went on to be an ATG. But at the time he debuted, his profile was almost identical to Shaheen’s now.

Two of the three Tests in South Africa are at high altitude. There may be a role for one or two short medium pacers, but the conditions cry out for at least one tall, fast bowler.

The arguments against Shaheen are absurd. Regardless of whether Yasir Shah or Shadab Khan plays, there will be four fast bowlers including Faheem Ashraf.

That means that Shaheen only needs to bowl one 4 over spell per session - 12 overs per day.

Let the older three quicks bowl 18 overs per day and the spinner bowl 20. That leaves 12 for Shaheen and 4 for a part-time spinner like Azhar Ali.

Don’t leave Shaheen to rot in domestic cricket. Just manage his workload the way Australia did with Mitchell Johnson - one short but quick spell per session, followed by a long rest.

Stick a tall quick like Shaheen at one end and suddenly the batsmen will take risks against Abbas and Amir.

It’s a win-win.

 

[topspin]

Thank you!

Yes, Wasim Akram went on to be an ATG. But at the time he debuted, his profile was almost identical to Shaheen’s now.

Two of the three Tests in South Africa are at high altitude. There may be a role for one or two short medium pacers, but the conditions cry out for at least one tall, fast bowler.

The arguments against Shaheen are absurd. Regardless of whether Yasir Shah or Shadab Khan plays, there will be four fast bowlers including Faheem Ashraf.

That means that Shaheen only needs to bowl one 4 over spell per session - 12 overs per day.

Let the older three quicks bowl 18 overs per day and the spinner bowl 20. That leaves 12 for Shaheen and 4 for a part-time spinner like Azhar Ali.

Don’t leave Shaheen to rot in domestic cricket. Just manage his workload the way Australia did with Mitchell Johnson - one short but quick spell per session, followed by a long rest.

Stick a tall quick like Shaheen at one end and suddenly the batsmen will take risks against Abbas and Amir.

It’s a win-win.

Spot on - Shaheen with a quick burst going flat out with his hostile 150+ pace for 4 overs is just what we need while Abbas and Amir aim to hit good areas at 130-140 pace with far less lift off the wicket.

I don't see any valid alternatives to Shaheen. I don't think Hasan Ali with his height can trouble the Saffers unless he's in top form however it is contrary to this.

Mir Hamza, Rahat, Junaid and Wahab are the definition of mediocrity.

This might sound absurd but what about playing Bilal Asif instead of Yasir Shah or Shadab? He generates a lot of bounce even on slow UAE pitches and given SA's struggles against Moeen Ali home and away, I can see them being susceptible to his finger spin funnily enough. Another reason why I ask is because I sense Yasir is on the decline and Shadab isn't anywhere near test level as a leg spinner.

 

[Napa]

Unimpressive thread.

Looks worse than Kohli vs Rahul one.

Don't be absurd. You may not think Rahul is Kohli's equal, but what Shaheen has achieved isn't even 1% of what Rahul has.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Don't be absurd. You may not think Rahul is Kohli's equal, but what Shaheen has achieved isn't even 1% of what Rahul has.

Lol, get a life bro, don't feel so insecured.

When did I say Shaheen has achieved more than Rahul?

That's why I've mentioned it's worse than Kohli vs Rahul comparison, as atleast Rahul has shown some glimpses of his talent.

 

[Junaids]

Spot on - Shaheen with a quick burst going flat out with his hostile 150+ pace for 4 overs is just what we need while Abbas and Amir aim to hit good areas at 130-140 pace with far less lift off the wicket.

I don't see any valid alternatives to Shaheen. I don't think Hasan Ali with his height can trouble the Saffers unless he's in top form however it is contrary to this.

Mir Hamza, Rahat, Junaid and Wahab are the definition of mediocrity.

This might sound absurd but what about playing Bilal Asif instead of Yasir Shah or Shadab? He generates a lot of bounce even on slow UAE pitches and given SA's struggles against Moeen Ali home and away, I can see them being susceptible to his finger spin funnily enough. Another reason why I ask is because I sense Yasir is on the decline and Shadab isn't anywhere near test level as a leg spinner.

If Bilal Asif develops well against NZ that could be a smart move.

To me, the spinner is just a defensive option at Jo’burg and Centurion, whose batting will be as important as his bowling.

Cape Town will only be different if Pakistan bowls fourth.

So I’d be happy with a tight spinner who can score 45+ runs per match.

 

[Junaids]

Don't be absurd. You may not think Rahul is Kohli's equal, but what Shaheen has achieved isn't even 1% of what Rahul has.

The thing is this.

The emergence of Shaheen Shah Afridi is comparable to

Wasim Akram In 1984-85
Ian Bishop in 1988-89
Pat Cummins in 2010-11.

Sometimes a fast bowler comes along who obviously has colossal potential. It’s thrilling.

Occasionally, like Mitchell Starc, it becomes obvious that a bad cricket brain means that he will never have the potential you’d imagine.

Batsmen and spinners are made, but great quicks are sometimes simply born.

Mohammad Abbas is supposedly the best fast-medium bowler in the world. But he doesn’t set my pulse racing like SS Afridi does.

The challenge for Pakistan now is to use him in short bursts, in favourable conditions.

 

[Ab Fan]

SS Afridi looks like a Kiwi. I found him impressive. Someone to watch for in next few years.

 

[CricVet]

I do not believe that op has compared the bowling standard of the two. I guess some people take it to the heart. I have no idea why we have stopped inducting a raw talent to the national side. Our domestic teams are not high standard to judge any talent and in fact, many times playes like Abbas have been burned out for nepotism. If a talent is available when there are no better options, why not give it a try. How do we know that Afridi would do any worse than Junaid or Amir or any xyz bowlers.

 

[New Yorker]

Think back to 1984-85.

On 8 November 1984, Wasim Akram makes his First Class debut at Rawalpindi against the touring New Zealanders.

He is 18 years 5 months old. He is a skinny youngster but 6'3 tall.

He takes 7-50 in the First Innings - on First Class debut. In the Second Innings he takes 2-54.

Eight weeks later - aged 18 years and 7 months - he makes his Test debut in the Second Test against New Zealand at Auckland. It is his THIRD ever First Class match.

New Zealand were the world's Number 3 ranked team. Later that year they would win a Test series IN AUSTRALIA.

In the Second Test at Auckland, Wasim Akram took 2-105 - the precious wickets of John Wright and Ian Smith.

In the Third Test at Dunedin, Wasim Akram IN HIS SECOND TEST, AGED 18 took 5-56 and 5-72.

Flash forward to 2018.

Pakistan is about to tour South Africa. Their batting is far weaker than the 1985 Kiwi line-up of Wright, Martin Crowe, Howarth, Reid, Hadlee, Smith and Coney.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will be 18 years and 8 months old when the First Test starts. He is 3 inches taller than Wasim Akram and around 10K quicker than Wasim was at the same age.

The pitches at Centurion and Johannesburg will be faster, bouncier and better suited to his speed and height than those that Wasim Akram endured in New Zealand.

Wasim Akram had made his First Class debut 8 weeks before his Test debut - and he took 7-50.

Shaheen Shah Afridi made his First Class debut 14 months before the First Test in SA. He took 8-39 in the Second Innings.

Like Wasim Akram, he has played 2 First Class matches so far. He has 11 wickets at a bowling average of 17.27.

The similarities are absolutely striking.

You had me at 18 years old. I mean, both of them. At the same time. And they are Pakistani. And cricketers both - bowlers even!!

Anyone else get goosebumps?

 

[Napa]

The thing is this.

The emergence of Shaheen Shah Afridi is comparable to

Wasim Akram In 1984-85
Ian Bishop in 1988-89
Pat Cummins in 2010-11.

Sometimes a fast bowler comes along who obviously has colossal potential. It’s thrilling.

Occasionally, like Mitchell Starc, it becomes obvious that a bad cricket brain means that he will never have the potential you’d imagine.

Batsmen and spinners are made, but great quicks are sometimes simply born.

Mohammad Abbas is supposedly the best fast-medium bowler in the world. But he doesn’t set my pulse racing like SS Afridi does.

The challenge for Pakistan now is to use him in short bursts, in favourable conditions.

One of the many over the top posts about Shaheen Afridi. Posters were claiming he would be Pakistan's most important player for the World Cup.

He may still have a great career, but obviously needs to develop a lot more.

 

[King-Misbah]

Afridi is not good enough to lace Akrams boots. A very sorry bowler!

 

[aloo paratha]

Still I don't think Afridi bowled that badly overall. Up front he was poor but he came back decently. He just needs time, he's not even 20 yet, I think he'll be a star in the future.

 

[moghul]

He is no Wasim Akam , but still a very good bowler and could be great bowler in future. After his first spell, he bowled very well today, justified his selection. He should be Pakistan's third seamer , after Amir and Wahab, ahead of Hasan in rest of the games in current WC.

 

[Mainul]

I think Afridi is even better than Wasim at his age. Wasim got those pitches if his era which was sporting and helped bowlers too. Afridi is bowling on phattas now a days. He has a great future if Pakistan can handle him well

 

[Chokli]

Jeez, a poor thread from a great poster

 

[Usman]

I am going to repeat my post from the other thread on Shaheen because like in that thread, there is a lot of Shaheen bashing going on here too.

Everyone points fingers but none of you are aware of the truth!

After the abandoned game at Bristol, I had dinner with many of our players. I sat with Shaheen and spoke with him for a good 2 hours. It was then that I found out that he has a serious issue with his elbow on his bowling arm.

Shaheen described to me the excruciating pain he feels in his elbow when he bowls, particularly in his first two overs of every spell. He's not even been given a proper diagnosis - it sounded to me like tennis elbow. He's receiving no treatment, other than physio.

Before anyone points fingers at Azhar Mahmood here, Shaheeen is fiercely defensive of Azhar. He told me that Azhar is a good bowling coach and those who criticize him from the outside simply don't understand the work he does with guys.

Shaheen is a humble lad with a great attitude. But I fear he has been badly let down by the PCB which, in turn, is showing in the performances he is producing for Pakistan.

 

[wrongun]

I am going to repeat my post from the other thread on Shaheen because like in that thread, there is a lot of Shaheen bashing going on here too.

Everyone points fingers but none of you are aware of the truth!

After the abandoned game at Bristol, I had dinner with many of our players. I sat with Shaheen and spoke with him for a good 2 hours. It was then that I found out that he has a serious issue with his elbow on his bowling arm.

Shaheen described to me the excruciating pain he feels in his elbow when he bowls, particularly in his first two overs of every spell. He's not even been given a proper diagnosis - it sounded to me like tennis elbow. He's receiving no treatment, other than physio.

Before anyone points fingers at Azhar Mahmood here, Shaheeen is fiercely defensive of Azhar. He told me that Azhar is a good bowling coach and those who criticize him from the outside simply don't understand the work he does with guys.

Shaheen is a humble lad with a great attitude. But I fear he has been badly let down by the PCB which, in turn, is showing in the performances he is producing for Pakistan.

If it's a "tennis elbow" type strain which makes sense given the repeat strain on his bowling arm with the weight of the cricket ball magnified by torque then rest is really the only cure they can prescribe.

He can probably push through the WC but then he'll need a proper break & perhaps see biomechanics or top physios while in England to see if there is a slight change he can make to his action. Or he can save that for later and see if rest is enough & a growing body /adapting body heals the rest.

 

[Suleiman]

I am going to repeat my post from the other thread on Shaheen because like in that thread, there is a lot of Shaheen bashing going on here too.

Everyone points fingers but none of you are aware of the truth!

After the abandoned game at Bristol, I had dinner with many of our players. I sat with Shaheen and spoke with him for a good 2 hours. It was then that I found out that he has a serious issue with his elbow on his bowling arm.

Shaheen described to me the excruciating pain he feels in his elbow when he bowls, particularly in his first two overs of every spell. He's not even been given a proper diagnosis - it sounded to me like tennis elbow. He's receiving no treatment, other than physio.

Before anyone points fingers at Azhar Mahmood here, Shaheeen is fiercely defensive of Azhar. He told me that Azhar is a good bowling coach and those who criticize him from the outside simply don't understand the work he does with guys.

Shaheen is a humble lad with a great attitude. But I fear he has been badly let down by the PCB which, in turn, is showing in the performances he is producing for Pakistan.

Wow. Shows what the players are going through behind closed doors which us fans have no idea about.

Wondered how many careers PCB have ruined with such negligence.

 

[volcyz]

why the heck is he still playing with such injury, management needs to be held accountable.

 

[Saj]

Interesting that Shaun Pollock after 3 balls of Shaheen's bowling today spotted an issue with his wrist position and action meaning that he would not be able to swing the ball.

 

[gazza619]

Interesting that Shaun Pollock after 3 balls of Shaheen's bowling today spotted an issue with his wrist position and action meaning that he would not be able to swing the ball.

Never mind the swing, Shaheen has forgotten to execute the right length. Seems to be over pitching most of the time..

 

[JibranAnsari]

Interesting that Shaun Pollock after 3 balls of Shaheen's bowling today spotted an issue with his wrist position and action meaning that he would not be able to swing the ball.

wonder if azhar mehmood noted that?

 

[DRsohail]

And Azhar Mahmood keep on polishing our bowlers for new bowlers.

 

[Majid Khan]

Wasim Akram was blessed with skills to swing / seam / bounce, pace, a beautiful bowling action, lots of fame and wealth , a great captain to guide him — but there’s one other quality he was blessed with that you realise now after seeing years of mediocre performances from Pakistani pace bowlers since even those who had been blessed with some talent and skills, and without this one quality I now think Wasim Akram would have been a top bowler still but not quite ranked among the best ever and rated so highly by the best batsmen of his time including Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara.

That ONE quality that I’m taking about is his intelligence as a bowler, he was clever, shrewd and basically smart enough to work out the best batsmen and know how to outthink them, he could analyse a batsman’s technique and somehow knew exactly what to do to expose the batsman he was bowling at and intimidate him, even the best of batsmen.

On to Shaheen Afridi now, and it’s unfair to compare anyone with the great Wasim Akram. But still never mind his skills or pace for a minute, has anyone seen the slightest evidence when Shaheen Afridi is bowling to say this guy is a thinking bowler and can outfox batsmen? Not sure he can spot the technical weaknesses of even a tail ender.

 

[Xoib]

Shaheen is a short of confidence a poor bowling coach means he has to work out on his own how to get back inform . Amir has to work out himself Hassan Ali is struggling to figure out I believe Azhar mahmood is the biggest failure among all A’s he head weakened Pakistan biggest strengthen

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

He is quite overrated, he is nowhere near young Mohammed amir let alone wasim.

 

[dhump]

What have people seen in Shaheen before they have started these comparisons?

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Doesn’t look the same bowler with the other two left armers in the team
Doesn’t bowl with the same anger or intensity as wahab or amir although he has the same guile and skill
Not sure about wrist movement or positioning of seam, that should come with time

 

[Thinking_Cap]

I am going to repeat my post from the other thread on Shaheen because like in that thread, there is a lot of Shaheen bashing going on here too.

Everyone points fingers but none of you are aware of the truth!

After the abandoned game at Bristol, I had dinner with many of our players. I sat with Shaheen and spoke with him for a good 2 hours. It was then that I found out that he has a serious issue with his elbow on his bowling arm.

Shaheen described to me the excruciating pain he feels in his elbow when he bowls, particularly in his first two overs of every spell. He's not even been given a proper diagnosis - it sounded to me like tennis elbow. He's receiving no treatment, other than physio.

Before anyone points fingers at Azhar Mahmood here, Shaheeen is fiercely defensive of Azhar. He told me that Azhar is a good bowling coach and those who criticize him from the outside simply don't understand the work he does with guys.

Shaheen is a humble lad with a great attitude. But I fear he has been badly let down by the PCB which, in turn, is showing in the performances he is producing for Pakistan.

Wonder why the management is so keen for Shaheen to play if he is injured. It's not like he has been a key player for Pakistan. They can easily rest him and stick with the other pacemen.

 

[Savak]

Why is the team management risking his career by forcing him to play with an injury?

 

[adil79]

Why is the team management risking his career by forcing him to play with an injury?

because inzimam would look stupid to go back to junaid again in the middle of the tournament

 

[pakistani pride]

Guys you really believe they would play him if he is injured? Of cpurse not.

 

[Sami92]

Shaheen Afridi is a really good find for Pakistan. Someone who I believe can be persisted with. But seriously nobody can be compared with Wasim.

Wasim Akram is an once in a lifetime player. He had pace, bounce, swing, reverse. Everything you can name it. Pakistan was extremely lucky to have legend Wasim Akram on their ranks. A kind of a bowler every side of every era will dream of having. Waqar Younis was also really good & Shoaib Akhtar was a superstar too.

 

[Kroll]

Can't really make comparisons statistics wise. The economies are much higher and it's a lot rarer for even the best bowlers to get fifers or more.

 

[Syed1]

Shaheen cannot polish the shoes of the guy who polishes Wasim's shoes.

Still holds true... even more so now

 

[Hasan123]

Shaheen does not need to be better than Wasim to have a good career for Pakistan.

I think Shaheen is talented . He is still very young and doesn’t have much experience. We need to be patient with him. He is going through a rough patch. I would love for him to get a county contract as this would aid his development .

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Can he still hit Neil Wagner level at least? Wagner is an underrated bowler.

 

[Usergame]

Lol at the pressure. "You need to be as good as one of the best bowlers in the history of the game".
As mentioned above - maybe fans of pak should be slightly more realistic. If you get 2 or 3 quality, consistent medium/pace bowlers thats enough for a good attack. Wishing for Players like wasim akram- might come true one day but most of the time its too big of a aim.

 

[aloo paratha]

Was decent today. Bowled pretty well for the most part, got hit for a couple of boundaries in one over when they were just hitting around because the match was already lost. I would persist with him.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Although Shaheen is not at the standard that Wasim was at the zame age, you also have to consider that Wasim had great mentors in the team such as Imran Khan, and even the presence of a player like Miandad would have helped. At the moment Shaheen is surrounded by the likes of Wahab, Hasan Ali and Junaid Khan.

Mohammad Amir is the one good bowler around him, but he was also going through issues when Shaheen debuted and was not in the team for a while, leaving Shaheen with these other brainless bowlers, seniors like Malik and Azhar Mahmood as his mentors.

 

[Ab Fan]

SSA showing how it is done.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Unreal spell

 

[JaDed]

His seam position is changed from last match, looks like someone had a chat with him

 

[Xoib]

SSA showing how it is done.

SSA is the youngster with most upside potential in Pakistan 6 feet 6 capable of reaching 145 such bowlers are wrapped in a cotton wool and developed by countries like Australia yet fans were asking for his head just because England smashed him on a motorway in few glorifies friendlies

 

[spiderreddy]

Shaheen is a star and true successor of Wasim

 

[Mueez]

His seam position is changed from last match, looks like someone had a chat with him

Wasim had a chat with him.

 

[Suleiman]

This is for all the times Bangla humiliated us since 2015.

 

[Chennai_cricket_fan]

Way too soon to compare Shaheen to Wasim. Wasim was GOAT. Shaheen shows good potential, but we need to wait and watch how he goes against the best batsmen of today's world

 

[ARK Rafay]

Wasim impressed with Shaheen

 

[big_gamer007]

Amazing talent, if he stays fit and works hard he along will Babar carry Pakistan cricket for next 10 years.

 

[aloo paratha]

So impressed by him. Sad how the management didn't stick with him in this tournament. I would've played him in all 9 games, he had been our best bowler for the last year before the World Cup, you don't just drop him based off a couple of bad games on absolute roads.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

From being compared to Wasim Akram to getting dropped from test squad.

Shaheen has come a long way.

This also proves that just because you have watched cricket for long doesn’t mean you actually have cricketing wisdom.

 

[Abid Z]

It also proves if you over bowl a player in t20, Odi, tests on subcontinent especially where he carries the attack , and also bowl him in leagues he will deteriorate before he’s even reached his potential. SSA is a tremendous bowler. 5/6 years on from his debut we need him to find a decent partner or two and settle into the leader of the attack. 5/6 year after his debut Wasim was winning a World Cup and series in England.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

All about priorities.

Wasim wanted to be like Imran, he wanted to be the best of the best.

Shaheen is all about shooting ads, chilling with family/friends and easy paisa playing T20 leagues all over the world. He is content being the better from Rauf/Naseem/Hasnain.

Wasim toiled hard in FC bowling more than 25 overs per day while Shaheen hasn't played a FC game for more than three years probably.

The guide book is there, but if you ain't interested then you won't even open a page.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Chalk and cheese comparison.