Shahid Afridi predicts leading wicket-taker for Champions Trophy
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi named fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the leading wicket-taker for the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on 19 February in Pakistan.
Afridi revealed the name in a panel of former Indian and Pakistani cricketers put together by the well-known Indian sports channel in the run-up to the highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India.
The star-studded panel featured Indian greats Yuvraj Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu alongside former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The panel answered six burning questions regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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While answering the Champions Trophy leading-wicket-taker question, Shahid Afridi expressed confidence in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s abilities. At the same time, Inzamam-ul-Haq favored Haris Rauf to emerge as the highest wicket-taker.
Yuvraj Singh backed India’s Mohammed Shami to claim the top spot, while Navjot Singh Sidhu suggested an Indian spinner would lead in wickets.
The former power hitter’s endorsement of Shaheen is rooted in the young pacer’s impressive track record and rapid ascent in international cricket.
Since his debut in 2018, Shaheen has consistently delivered standout performances across all formats.
Notably, during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he became the youngest bowler to secure a five-wicket haul in a World Cup match, achieving figures of 6/35 against Bangladesh.
Shahid Afridi further addressed the high-voltage contest between Pakistan and India, emphasizing that attitude and body language will play a crucial role in determining the winner of a match.
He reflected on the 2011 World Cup semifinal, noting that the team’s confidence is essential in overcoming opponents.
“We thought we had won. But after our first wicket fell, and seeing India’s body language in the field, I sensed from the dugout that we might struggle to chase the target. It’s all about confidence and how you overpower the other team,” he said.
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