Pakistan bowed out of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 with a three-wicket win in a closely-fought contest against Ireland. Shaheen Afridi was named the ‘Player of the match’ for three wickets and a cameo to finish off the run chase. After Pakistan's consolation win, Afridi admitted that the team did not live up to expectations. He also pointed out that there are few areas for improvement ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 which will be hosted in Pakistan.
“We didn't play good cricket which our country demands. There are few areas we need to improve quickly, Champions Trophy is coming. We have to improve and we'll have to grow as a team,” the 24-year-old said in the post-match presentation.
Afridi was lethal with the new ball after Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl first at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida. He dismissed Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker in the first over. In his second over, the left-arm pacer dismissed Harry Tector as well.
“Wicket was supporting for the new ball, we just tried to hit our good areas and strike early. Our plans were a success. My idea is to bowl fuller, we were trying to hit our areas,” he said.
Afridi’s crucial cameo
Afridi came in to bat when Pakistan were seven down and needed 12 runs from 14 balls. He faced two dot deliveries. In the penultimate over, he decided to take on Gareth Delany hitting him for a six over long-on. He was dropped at first slip by Ireland skipper Paul Stirling. On the fifth ball of the over, he went for the slogsweep and cleared the boundary to finish the run chase.
Afridi bagged his third 'Player of the Match' award in T20 World Cups. For Pakistan only Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi have three or more awards in T20 World Cups.
Afridi thanks fans
Afridi also thanked the crowd for backing them irrespective of tough times.
“Crowd - they always come and support us, thank you everyone for the support. It's tough times but they always come and support us, that's what we need as a team,” he said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Watch: Hardik Pandya melts hearts with Father's Day video featuring son Agastya
