Pak vs Eng reaction

 PAK vs ENG: 

Shahid Afridi reaches out to Shadab Khan after worst bowling figures in T20

There must be huge pressure on Shadab, but big players know how to get out of such situations, says Afridi

PAK vs ENG: Shahid Afridi addresses Shadab Khan after worst bowling figures in T20Is

Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan (left) and former captain Shahid Afridi

Following Pakistan's defeat against England in the second T20I at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, former captain Shahid Afridi hit out at the Green Shirts' leg-spinner Shadab Khan after he recorded his worst bowling figures in T20Is.

During Saturday's match, the Babar Azam-led side were bowled out for 160 while chasing a target of 184, with hosts England securing their eighth win in the last 11 T20Is against the Men in Green.

During the match, Shadab conceded 55 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket - his worst bowling figure in T20Is.

The right-arm spinner had the same figures during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Peshawar Zalmi in 2021.

Speaking to a local news channel, Afridi revealed that he had a chat with Shadab after Saturday's match where he tried to give him confidence and told him what he was doing wrong with the ball.

"I need Shadab to deliver the ball. Whenever he played the ball, Pakistan won. I have watched all his matches in the past. We had a detailed talk yesterday, I asked him who is leading him or if there is anything he is not doing, how do you make such mistakes , is there no one here to tell you?" said Afridi.

"I called yesterday because I know he's going through a tough time, so I always try to help and motivate players who are having a tough time. Similarly, I talked to Shadab about what he's doing wrong and I hope if he does [what he discussed] in training, you will see the difference."

He was then asked if there was any mental block with Shadab to which he said, "Is there any leg spin coach with the team? Saeed Ajmal was there but he was off the spinner. Ajmal should ask if he was guiding Shadab and why he is not doing it, what he was told.

"I know there must be a lot of pressure on Shadab, but big players know how to get out of such situations. I shared with him one or two issues I found with his bowling and I hope he works on those things, " he added. the former captain concluded