T20 World Cup: Shaheen Afridi available for England warm-up match, PCB confirms

Shaheen Shah Afridi is key to Pakistan's set-up, with his ability to bowl at high speeds and generate bounce

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Sports Desk
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Pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi bowls during a practice session in this undated photo. — PCB/File
Pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi bowls during a practice session in this undated photo. — PCB/File

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Sunday that pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi would be available for the T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against England.

Shaheen, 22, has been sidelined since sustaining a ligament injury to his right knee during a test match in Sri Lanka in July, missing the Asia Cup and home series against England.

But now he will finally play in the field, giving Pakistan a major boost as they head into the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Afridi, who has picked up 47 wickets in 40 T20s, is key to Pakistan's set-up, with his ability to bowl at high speeds and generate bounce likely to come in handy on Australian pitches.

Pakistan are placed in Group 2 of the World Cup alongside India, Bangladesh, South Africa and two qualifier teams.

They open the tournament with a sell-out game against India in Melbourne on October 23.

Defending champions Australia, England, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and two qualifier teams are placed in Group 1.