Pakistan coach makes prediction on Shaheen Afridi's bowling
Shaheen Afridi is on the upward curve and ready to hit high speeds ahead of a busy upcoming period, according to a key Pakistan assistant.
Pakistan bowling coach Ashley Noffke believes pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi is gathering momentum nicely and is ready to find his best form during the upcoming Asia Cup.
Afridi has been struggling to find his touch since he battled a back issue in 2023 and was only recently left out of Pakistan's squad for their three-match T20I series in Bangladesh.
Shaheen Afridi destroys Indian top order | 2021 | PAK v IND
Shaheen Afridi destroys Indian top order | FanCraze Men's T20 World Cup Greatest Moments
The 25-year-old showed glimpses of his best when returning to action during Pakistan's white-ball series against the West Indies earlier this month and Noffke thinks the star quick is close to regaining his best form and the ability to hit speeds close to 150km/h.
"In terms of pace, he is aware it has dropped and he has experienced a dip in form," Noffke said of Afridi ahead of the tri-series between Pakistan, hosts UAE and Afghanistan.
"Recovering pace takes time, but we’re building nicely now. We’ve started seeing more balls in the 140km/h range during the West Indies series.
"He’s definitely on his way back and his confidence is growing.
"There’s a bit of technique, mindset and a good release point involved, all of which are crucial for bowlers presenting their best."
Shaheen Afridi starred with bat and ball in Pakistan's win | POTM Highlights | PAK v IRE | T20WC 2024
Shaheen Afidi wreaked havoc with the new ball and then closed the game out with two big sixes.
Following the tri-series in the UAE, Afridi will get another chance to test himself against the best in the world at the eight-team Asia Cup tournament that commences on September 9.
Afridi will also play a major role in Pakistan's tilt for a second ICC Men's T20 World Cup title at the 10th edition of the 20-over showcase next year and Noffke said the left-armer was working hard on his ability to swing the new ball ahead of a busy upcoming period.
"I think swing can be influenced by the environment and conditions on the day. The ball sometimes swings and sometimes doesn’t," Noffke noted.
"From my perspective, he (Afridi) won’t swing the ball every game, but we want him to work on that ability to swing the ball.
"Whether it swings in or out is his choice, but we want him to consistently challenge the stumps.
"We’ve seen how dangerous he is when the ball swings into the right-hander and he’s been working heavily on that lately."