Former India opener Kris Srikkanth believes ace pacer Shaheen Afridi will pose no threat to the Men in Blue, having lost the ability to swing the ball, in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on February 15. The Men in Green have been spin-dominant in their opening two matches of the tournament and will likely take the same route against India.
It leaves Shaheen as their lone specialist pacer despite his indifferent form over the past couple of years. The 25-year-old has picked up only four wickets in as many T20Is this year at an economy of almost nine.
Talking about the contest between Shaheen and the Indian openers, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel (5:59):
“First time in Pakistan’s history, they will have no other fast bowler except Shaheen Afridi. Shaheen Afridi also looks burnt out. He has lost all his swing, and the ball just comes straight. The way he is bowling now, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan will smash him.”
Shaheen has struggled against India in T20Is, picking up only five wickets in six matches at an average of 35.40 and an economy of over eight.
“Pakistan has a 20% chance because of the Colombo conditions” – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth believes Pakistan may have a glimmer of hope against Team India in their upcoming meeting because of the conditions in Colombo. While India has played both their games at home, the Men in Green have played their two matches in Colombo.
Pakistan stuttered to a last-over win over the Netherlands before crushing the USA by 32 runs.
“Normally, I would say India win 100% but this match Pakistan has a 20% chance because of the Colombo conditions. Pakistan has a decent chance if they score 170 to 180 because of their bowling. If India has to chase 170 to 180, it will be a tight game and no walkover,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
He concluded:
“If at all Pakistan has to win a match against India, this is their best chance. I’ll give them a 20% chance provided they bat first and score over 170, and the full match is on. Otherwise, this will be a one-sided match. If Pakistan don’t do this, India will smash them like a mosquito.”
Pakistan have not defeated India in the last five meetings between the teams, with their last win coming in the 2022 Asia Cup.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran