Shaheen Afridi Blames Lack of Batting Partnerships for Pakistan's Loss to England

Pallekele. Star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi stated that Pakistan lost the match against England due to the inability to form strong batting partnerships. He claimed that the total of 164 runs scored by Pakistan on the batting-friendly pitch in Pallekele was insufficient, and the result could have been reversed if they had added another 15 to 25 runs.

Although England completed the target with 2 wickets remaining in the final over, Pakistan missed the opportunity to post a big score by losing wickets continuously in the middle overs. According to Shaheen, a total of at least 180 to 190 runs was required on such a flat pitch.

Speaking after the match, he emphasized the need for one set batsman in the middle order to stay until the end. Citing the example of England's Harry Brook, who stayed at the crease, rotated the strike, and built partnerships, Shaheen admitted that Pakistan could not adopt the same strategy. He specifically mentioned that Adil Rashid's tight bowling in the middle overs halted Pakistan's run rate and played a role in breaking partnerships.

Although he faltered with the bat, Shaheen Afridi returned to form with the ball. After not performing well in previous matches, he bowled lethally against England, taking 4 wickets. He gave Pakistan an excellent start by dismissing Phil Salt on the very first ball of the match.

In his spell where he took 4 wickets for 30 runs, he also dismissed Harry Brook, who scored a century. Shaheen clarified that his main job is to take wickets in the opening overs and that he entered the field with a plan accordingly. Shaheen