Pakistan’s new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi began his tenure with a victory but remained humble about the achievement, calling his debut as skipper “nothing special.”
The 25-year-old fast bowler, who recently replaced Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain, led Pakistan to a tense two-wicket win over South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday — marking the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years.
“I think it’s a normal game for me — nothing special,” Shaheen said during the post-match presentation. “Whatever the situation, just do your best and nothing more.”
Batting first, South Africa got off to a solid start as Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock combined for a 98-run opening stand. However, Pakistan’s bowlers staged a strong comeback, dismissing the visitors for 263 in 49.1 overs.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase wasn’t smooth sailing. The home side lost early wickets before Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan stabilized the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both batters registered half-centuries on a tricky surface, guiding Pakistan home with just two balls to spare and two wickets remaining.
