T20 analysis: Shaheen Afridi vs Trent Boult

Pakistan and New Zealand square off in the first semifinal match of the T20 world cup 2022 on November 9, at Sydney Cricket Ground. The first stroke of good fortune in this semifinal goes to New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson, who won the toss and decided to bat first. In big knockout matches, teams typically like to score runs, especially on a beaten track like this one at the SCG.

The captains of both teams have almost certainly relied on their pace attack throughout the tournament. On the one hand, Pakistan’s bowling attack is led by star pacer Shaheen Afridi, while the Black Caps’ bowling attack is led by iconic fast bowler Trent Boult. It will be interesting to see how these two left-arm pacers perform today (November 9) on the big stage.

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There is no denying that Shaheen Afridi’s potential is frighteningly limitless. He has a tall, gangly frame and the ability to bowl extremely fast. In 2018, he made his international debut against the West Indies in a T20I series at home and impressed with his skill set. After a while on the radar, he received his first ODI call-up for the Asia Cup the same year. Whereas, Trent Boult, a left-handed swing bowler, made his First-Class debut in 2007 when he was selected for the New Zealand ‘A’ team’s tour of India. He was later chosen for the Under-19 World Cup in 2008. Boult was a member of the New Zealand team but did not make his Test debut until December 2011 in Hobart. 

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Head to head

1. T20Is

Matches Played: Afridi – 46 | Boult – 54

No. of Wickets: Afridi – 56 | Boult – 72

Economy: Afridi – 7.59 | Boult – 7.87

2. T20 World Cup 2022

Matches Played: Afridi – 5 | Boult – 4

No. of Wickets: Afridi – 9 | Boult – 6

Economy: Afridi – 6.14 | Boult – 3.25