Shaheen Afridi takes six wickets to help Pakistan great comeback in ICC U-19 World Cup

Shaheen Afridi takes six wickets to help Pakistan great comeback in ICC U-19 World Cup 

Afridi had Mark Topping poking outside off for his first wicket, and then followed that up with the scalp of Ireland captain Harry Tector, who after being peppered with short balls eventually top-edged to the ‘keeper.

Jamie Grassi, Ireland’s in-form batsman, was caught behind to leave his team in dire straits at 34-4. Sam Murphy and Neil Rock then combined for a 30-run stand that raised Irish hopes of a comeback. They did well to stand up to the short stuff, and Rock in particular carried on bravely after taking one on the face, just below his helmet grille.

They inched the total past the 50-run mark, but Pakistan weren’t to be denied for long. Skipper Hassaan Khan introduced himself and had Rock dismissed with just his second ball — the attempted the sweep went straight to the fielder at short square leg.

Afridi then returned and mixed up his short-deliveries with yorkers to dismantle the rest of the Ireland lower order, along with Hassaan.

WHANGERAI (New Zealand): Shaheen Shah Afridi’s display of traditional fast-bowling saw him claim a six-wicket haul as Pakistan put their ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign back on track with a nine-wicket win over Ireland here on Tuesday.

Back in action for the first time since Saturday when Afghanistan shocked the 2004 and 2006 champions by five wickets, Pakistan put up a clinical performance to keep alive their Super League aspirations.

Afridi’s incredible return of six for 15 in just 8.5 overs, including three maidens, was the best ever return for Pakistan in a World Cup, as Ireland were bundled out for 97 at the Cobham Oval.

Put into bat in overcast conditions, Ireland struggled from the onset as Afridi unleashed a short-ball barrage after Arshad Iqbal made the initial breakthrough.

Source: dawn.com