Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi endured yet another tough outing as New Zealand’s Tim Seifert took him apart in the second T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin. Seifert smashed four sixes off a single over from Afridi, en route to New Zealand's victory to lead the series 2-0.
The match, reduced to 15 overs per side, saw Pakistan post 135/9 after valuable contributions from Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, and Afridi. However, New Zealand chased down the target with six wickets in hand, with Seifert’s 22-ball 45 setting the tone.
Afridi, who has struggled for rhythm in recent games, conceded 31 runs in three overs, including 26 in his second over. Seifert, who initially faced six consecutive dot balls, launched an assault on Afridi, dispatching four of his deliveries over the ropes, including a 119-meter maximum.
His 26 runs conceeded equaled the unfortunate record for most sixes conceeded by a Pakistani bowler in a T20I over.
Most sixes conceded by a Pakistani bowler in a T20I over:
— dablew🔪 (@waqastics) March 18, 2025
4 - Shaheen Afridi vs NZ 2025*
4 - Faheem Ashraf vs SA 2021)
4 - Mohammad Sami vs Aus 2010) pic.twitter.com/fk4MZLP0zn
Social media had a field day with criticism of Shaheen Shah Afridi reaching new heights, with many pointing out the Eagles recent struggle for form.
Shaheen Shah Afridi post injury has been a disappointment for Pakistan. Is poor player and injury management by PCB responsible for this?#PAKvsNZ #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/fJwh6c9nYN
— Field Vision (@FieldVisionIND) March 18, 2025
People need to realize Virat Kohli didn’t do anything special by performing against our below-average bowlers. Everyone is smoking them. You really think smashing bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf is a big deal? Even club cricketers are having a feast. pic.twitter.com/1TM9hifsGU
— Maaz (@Im_MaazKhan) March 18, 2025
Many seised the opportunity to poke fun at Afridi after Grant Elliot, who was on commentary, took a dig at Shaheen's pace and bowling length.
Grant Elliott takes a dig at Shaheen Afridi - "With the way Shaheen is bowling, even our tailenders would fancy their chances of hitting sixes. It’s like facing throwdowns at this point."
— Maaz (@Im_MaazKhan) March 18, 2025
Ain't no way, everyone is owning my eagle nowadays.😭 pic.twitter.com/8txXzEVk1t
Tim seifert is giving proper belt treatment to Shaheen Afridi. #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/X6fz2MDE7O
— Humza Sheikh (@Sheikhhumza49) March 18, 2025
Shaheen Shah Afridi ka sofa faad diya 🤣 6 6 0 2 6 6 pic.twitter.com/gVioG6BVe3
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) March 18, 2025
Pakistan, trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, must win the next match to stay alive. Captain Agha Salman acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly in the powerplay.
“We batted better, and our fielding was outstanding, but we need to improve both our batting and bowling in the powerplay,” Salman said post-match.
With Pakistan’s bowling attack under pressure and Afridi struggling to find his best form, the visitors face an uphill battle in the series.
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