In a highly anticipated return to domestic first-class cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased his exceptional bowling skills while playing for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) against Ghani. Afridi, who had not participated in domestic first-class matches for seven years, made a significant impact by claiming four wickets for 61 runs, including an impressive feat of taking three wickets in a single over.
The match, which marked the beginning of the season, saw Afridi's first victim being opener Khawaja Arham. Arham struggled to find his footing, scoring just three runs off 11 balls before Afridi had him caught behind, setting the tone for his performance on the second day of the match.
On the third day, Afridi continued to dominate, dismantling the Ghani tailenders in a remarkable display of skill. With Ghani at 306-7 in their first innings, Afridi struck immediately, bowling Ghulam Haider for 12 runs with his first delivery. He then followed up with a stunning yorker to dismiss No. 10 batsman Shoaib Akhtar on just the third ball of the over. Afridi capped off the over by claiming the wicket of Ali Raza, who attempted a risky cross-bat shot but ended up top-edging the ball to wicketkeeper Asim Ali. Ghani was ultimately bowled out for 306, conceding a hefty first-innings lead of 241 runs to KRL.
Earlier in the match, KRL's batting lineup was bolstered by strong performances from Fakhar Zaman and Imran Rafiq, both of whom scored centuries, with Zaman making 128 and Rafiq contributing 129 runs. Asim Ali also played a crucial role with a solid 87 runs. Afridi himself chipped in with a quickfire 47 runs off just 49 balls, including two fours and three sixes, helping KRL to a formidable total of 547 runs. For Ghani, Haider and Mohammad Wasim were the standout bowlers, taking four and three wickets, respectively.
In response, Ghani's innings saw Haseebullah Khan emerge as the top scorer, narrowly missing out on his fifth first-class century with a score of 99. Sharjeel Khan and Ali Razzaq also contributed with fifties, scoring 59 and 52 runs, respectively. Despite their efforts, they could not withstand Afridi's bowling prowess, as he finished as the leading wicket-taker in the first innings.
This match is particularly significant for Afridi, as it marks his first appearance in domestic first-class cricket since October 2019, when he last played in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for Northern against Southern Punjab. In that match, he took two wickets, but it ended in a draw. His return to the domestic scene is a promising sign for both Afridi and KRL as they aim for success in the ongoing season.
As the season progresses, Afridi's performance will be closely monitored, especially as he continues to build his form and fitness after a lengthy absence from this level of competition. His ability to take crucial wickets and contribute with the bat will be vital for KRL's aspirations this season.
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