Shaheen eager to cement place in Pakistan side

Lahore Qalandars fast-bowler focused ahead of Scotland series

KARACHI: Pakistan’s teenaged left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is keen on cementing his place in the Pakistan side ahead of Pakistan’s two-match T20 series against Scotland.

Shaheen burst onto the scene with his sensational bowling spell in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, picking up eight wickets for just 39 runs; the best-ever figures for a first-class debut. He also impressed during the U19 World Cup and with Lahore Qalandars in this year’s Pakistan Super League.

“I’m happy about being able retain my place in the Pakistan side and want to perform well in the upcoming series against Scotland,” said Shaheen in an interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board.



Shaheen believes the team is well-prepared for the upcoming series against minnows Scotland. “We came here a bit early to adapt to conditions and we are training extensively to improve in all departments of the game.”

Shaheen — who made his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match against West Indies back in April at the National Stadium of Karachi — advised aspiring young cricketers to keep putting in the hard yards as it is the best way towards success.

“As a youngster, I’m proud to represent the Pakistan team,” he said. “In order to get a chance to represent Pakistan and succeed as a cricketer, young players must consistently work hard.”

Pakistan will face Scotland at Edinburgh in a two-match T20I series, with the games taking place on June 12 and 13.