Pakistan’s Strategic Gamble Fails as Shaheen Afridi Struggles in Debut ODI Captaincy Performance | Cricket

In a highly anticipated match, Shaheen Afridi debuted as Pakistan’s ODI captain against South Africa, marking a significant event for the national cricket team. The match took place in Faisalabad, a venue that hosted a men’s international game for the first time in 17 years. This occasion was also notable due to South Africa’s weakened squad, which further highlighted the expectations placed on Afridi.

Captaincy Challenge

Shaheen Afridi took over the captaincy from Mohammad Rizwan, following a series of recent changes within the Pakistan cricket leadership. His first outing as a full-time ODI captain did not go as planned. South Africa set a target of 264 runs after being bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs. Despite the manageable target, Afridi’s contributions were minimal.

A Review of Afridi’s Performance

• Bowling Figures: Afridi finished with figures of 1 for 55 in his 10 overs.
• Performance Analysis: His usual rhythm was absent, allowing South Africa’s batsmen to settle comfortably.
• Breakthrough: His only wicket came late in the innings against a lower-order batsman.

His tactical decisions included taking the new ball and utilizing various bowlers strategically. However, the absence of innovative strategies during critical moments may have hindered his effectiveness as a leader.

Leadership Background

Afridi’s captaincy journey has been fraught with interruptions. After Babar Azam’s resignation post-2023 World Cup, Afridi briefly captained in T20I before being replaced by Azam again in March 2024. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had described Afridi’s removal as a strategy to manage his workload.

On October 30, 2025, the PCB appointed Afridi as ODI captain, emphasizing a new leadership direction heading into the series. His previous experience from a T20I series against New Zealand was cited as a foundation for this leadership role.

A Tough Year for Afridi

In 2025, Afridi has struggled in ODIs. He recorded the highest economy rate among Pakistan bowlers, conceding over 13 runs per over in death overs. These statistics further compounded the scrutiny surrounding his captaincy debut.

As the match unfolded, the outcome of Pakistan’s chase was left in the hands of the batting line-up, urging fans and analysts alike to evaluate Afridi’s leadership based on his players’ performances.