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Watch: Babar Azam v Shaheen Afridi – A battle made in T20 heaven

by Wisden Staff September 29, 2021 - 4:26pm 3 minute read

Watch: Pakistan’s National T20 Cup saw their captain Babar Azam battle it out against their premium fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi

Cricketing fans around the world missed out on some exciting cricketing action with the cancellation of New Zealand and England tours to Pakistan.

However, the Pakistan players resumed their preparation for the T20 World Cup by participating in the National T20 Cup. This saw some world-class players take on each other.

Babar-led Central Punjab faced off against Mohammad Rizwan’s Khyber Pakhtunwala on September 23. Both sides featured a number of international stars but most eyes were set on a possible face-off between Babar and KP’s Shaheen.

So fans! We want to hear your thoughts

Who do you support when Babar Azam faces off Shaheen Afridi?#NationalT20Cup #KhelTouHoRahaHai

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 23, 2021

KP batted first and set CP a target of 188. Skipper Babar was one of the openers for CP. Babar tried to attack Shaheen in his second over, but the left-armer’s pace was too hot to handle. Babar mistimed his first ball and played and missed at the second, and it seemed as if the quick had the upper hand.

Soon, however, Babar composed himself and went after Shaheen. He took 12 runs off the final three balls, playing three masterly timed strokes for six, two and four. The upper cut in particular was a treat to watch.

Watch Babar Azam bat against Shaheen Shah Afridi

.@babarazam258 vs @iShaheenAfridi
What a treat indeed! #KPvCP Live: https://t.co/r7GGZHcYlE #KhelTouHoRahaHai pic.twitter.com/fH9wtiD58M

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 23, 2021

On that occasion the contest ended prematurely as Asif Afridi got rid of Babar. CP lost the game by 36 runs.

However, the battle resumed on September 26, this being the second encounter between KP and CP.

CP batted first, and Babar yet again got to face Shaheen. The very first ball by Shaheen to Babar came back in swiftly and the batter could do nothing about it. It cut him into two, and went over the off-stump.

Babar was yet again ready with a response and hit Shaheen for a pair of dreamy back-to-back fours – first through the covers, then towards deep point. A raced single brought the contest to a close, with Babar soon removed by Arshad Iqbal.

This game had a better result for Babar, as his side went on to win the game by 43 runs.