Asif Afridi’s post–Day 3 press interaction
Q: Asif, congratulations on your debut — you took five wickets. First, tell us about your bowling, and also, Shan took the second new ball at 221/7. Do you think he should’ve waited, since you were bowling so well and South Africa ended up adding 183 more runs?
Asif Afridi: Thank you very much. Regarding the new ball, Shan bhai took it after consulting with us. We suggested it ourselves because we knew the ball would skid a bit more and give us a sharper break.
Q: Asif, Assalam-o-Alaikum, Arfa Feroz here. You had to wait a long time for your international debut. At some point, you must have felt disappointed with the delay. Who kept you motivated during that time — which coach or player encouraged you?
Asif Afridi: Yes, absolutely. Recently, when FATA played the qualifying round after being relegated to Grade II, both Riaz Afridi and Sadiq Afridi told me to play that tournament because if we didn’t qualify for First-Class this year, it would become very difficult next year. So, I worked really hard, bowled long spells, and kept the belief that whenever I get my chance, Insha’Allah, I’ll perform well enough so no one can say my career ended without contributions.
Q: Asif, this pitch doesn’t seem to offer as much turn as the one in Lahore, yet you stood out with six wickets in the first innings. What was your bowling strategy?
Asif Afridi: Yes, this pitch isn’t like Lahore’s. But I observed how the opposition bowlers were operating before me and followed a simple plan — to get turn off the wicket. Because if the ball turns, it troubles the batters; and if it goes straight, there’s always a chance for LBW.
Q: During the last partnership between Rabada and Mswami, you came to bowl quite late. Sajid, Noman, and Shaheen were bowling before you. What was the reason or strategy behind holding you back?
Asif Afridi: Both batters were left-handers, and since I’m a left-arm spinner too, Shan bhai thought it was better to try off-spin from the other end. The idea was that they were more comfortable against left-arm bowling at that stage, so off-spin might create more chances.
Q: Asif, Asghar Ali from TeleMail. First, congratulations on your memorable debut bowling performance. Your body language looked very confident out there. Overall, what’s the team’s plan now? How much of a target do you think Pakistan should set to give South Africa a tough chase?
Asif Afridi: Insha’Allah, we’ve discussed that if we can set them a target above 170, we’ll have a great chance of winning this match. Our two main batters are currently at the crease and playing really well, so we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to set a target above 200, Insha’Allah.
Q: Asif, congratulations once again on your debut. Zahid Iqbal from Dunya News. It’s being said that the fourth innings will be very difficult, but it seems the third innings has already become tough. What’s the atmosphere like in the dressing room? What’s the plan now?
Asif Afridi: Masha’Allah, our main batters are still out there, and we’re very hopeful. Yes, we lost a few early wickets, but the pitch behaviour is changing gradually. If we manage to put up 200-plus, Insha’Allah, it’ll be very difficult for South Africa to chase it down.
