Shaheen Afridi displayed pace and aggression against Bangladesh at Lords

Lahore : Pakistan’s players impressed with bat and ball as they beat Bangladesh at Lord’s.

This venerable old ground has seen many a changing of the guard over the years, cricket’s ever-evolving story has seen more chapters written at Lord’s than anywhere else.

And so it was again, as Pakistan’s emerging talent gave a glimpse of the future on a day one old warrior finally called time under the shadow of Old Father Time.

Iman Ul Haq, just 23, became the youngest Pakistan player to score an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup century with a swashbuckling show as his team recorded a confident 94-run victory over Bangladesh.

Babar Azam, fresh from his 100 against New Zealand, fell just short of three figures but his 474 runs is the best return by a Pakistan player in the 44-year history of this tournament. Not bad for a 24-year old, whose precision timing and expansive game make him a joy to watch.

And then there was Shaheen Afridi, just 19, bettering Shahid Afridi’s World Cup bowling figures record for Pakistan – taking the first six wicket haul of the tournament with a brutish display of pace and aggression that probably had the semi-finalists watching with relief he was now flying home.

“That performance by Shaheen, that was the best bowling display I’ve ever seen,” said captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, after he’d posted figures of 6/35. “His consistency was just amazing, it was a pleasure to watch behind the stumps.

“The way the team have played in the last four games is a credit to them, even if we have not qualified.”

Afridi seemed a little embarrassed by the attention his bowling brought, though he might just have to get used to it, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza rightly labelling him the difference between the sides.

Whatever the future for Pakistan cricket, he’s surely going to be part of the story.

“I’m so happy with performance and taking six wickets is incredible,” said Shaheen. “It means so much to have this record when you think of all the legends of Pakistan cricket. To be able to take six wickets at Lord’s is a very big moment for me and my family, it’s the Home of Cricket and a very special place.

“We’ve played such good cricket in the last four matches and it’s disappointing it’s nos over. This is my first World Cup, and the same for other players too, that is very good news for the future and four years’ time.”