Srinagar: Pakistan premier pacer Shaheen Afridi has said that he believes his injury at crucial junction cost Pakistan T20 World Cup 2022 title.
In the final Shaheen injured his knee while taking Harry Brook’s catch in the 13th over of England’s innings. Afridi left the pitch before returning to bowl his third over. After pitching the solitary ball in the over, Afridi went off the pitch again due to unbearable pain.
In his 2.1 overs, Afridi had taken wicket of Alex Hales while giving only 13 runs. England went on to chase down the target of 138 with six balls to spare and five wickets in hand at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
“Obviously, it’s every player’s dream to win a World Cup for his country,” he told ESPNCricinfo.
“And in this tournament (2022 T20 World Cup), if I didn’t get injured at such a crucial moment, maybe we could’ve won. Maybe if I had stayed fit and bowled… Injuries can happen at any time.”
Despite concerns about a little slowdown in his pace upon his return, Afridi is upbeat and said his knee is now totally recovered.
“Everyone has a view about it [the pace], but I’ve been feeling good. You look at yourself, even if you are bowling 110kmph and taking wickets, you’re feeling good. I took wickets. I gave 100 percent in the field, that matters more. Speed doesn’t matter as much but if there has been a dip, it will improve with time,” Afridi further said.
