No sooner than end of an Afridi era, Pakistan got to have another Afridi; the sparkling fast bowler from the hill terrain Khyber province emerged as one of the most promising speed star for the country.

In the ongoing under – 19 World Cup in New Zealand, 17 year old Shaheen Afridi claimed a six-for against Ireland ensuring a huge win for Pakistan.

Conceded a trifle 15 runs to take away 6 wickets, Afridi’s promulgated pace helped Ireland to bundle out for 97 runs, leading Pakistan to a 9 wicket victory at the end.

Shaheen Afridi, on his first class debut last year in Quaide-e-Azam tournament, Afridi took 8 for 39, the best ever for any Pakistani bowler on debut.

Pakistan legendary spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, to whom Shaheen is grateful to create the opportunity for him to be in the age group team, hailed the rising pace phenomenon of the country.

Mushtaq said, “He could bowl round the stumps even back then and, most importantly, what amazed me was that he already had the knowledge of using the angles at crease. I can tell you after playing so many years for Pakistan and coaching international teams, it’s not common for young pacers to have that kind of awareness.”

“It was amazing. There are many young pacers in Pakistan and worldwide who will catch your eye with their pace or say with their stock ball – inswinger or outswinger. Afridi had all that, but what stood out was the level of his cricket awareness, and skill set,” Mushtaq said overwhelmingly.