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Afridi contributed 75 runs and 5 wickets to his team’s series-winning success. He rescued the team in both the departments at critical junctures. When the opponents were just 46 runs away from the victory, Afridi bowled tremendously and triggered an astonishing collapse of their batting line-up.
Afridi silenced his critics with his brilliant allround show and has earned immense admiration from all corners.
Remember, Afridi went away from International cricket just due to his tussle with the then coach, Waqar Younis, who tried to intervene in team affairs, to the displeasure of Khan. Shortly after Afridi’s conditional retirement, Waqar, who mentored the team for at least two years, also relinquishing the coaching job.
“He has always been an exceptionally talented player but has not done justice to his talent but in this series, he appears focused and wants to prove a point and that is why he is succeeding,” Waqar said after the match.
Waqar said Afridi had looked a match winner as a bowler throughout the series but his batting on Sunday was mature and exceptional.
“He took his time to build his innings as there were plenty of overs to play and he played a great knock for Pakistan which needs more such innings from him,” Waqar said.
Not surprisingly, Afridi made no mention of Waqar’s contribution to the team or to him at the post-match presentation instead praising interim coach Mohsin Khan for being a support for him.
“My coach Mohsin Khan has backed me all the way and supported me and Misbah-ul-Haq has led the side very well and given me confidence. I am enjoying doing well for my country,” Afridi said.
Earlier, he also cleared that he had no issues playing under Misbah and said the captain had backed him even after Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising to a win when Sangakkara and Jayawardene were batting together in a century partnership.
For the flamboyant Afridi, the Sri Lanka series has been a triumphant return for him to the team after a much publicised dispute with Waqar that led to him losing his captaincy after the West Indies tour in May and his decision to retire in protest.
Afridi only made himself available for selection after Ijaz Butt tenure completed, with whom he had developed serious differences. And soo with the arrival of new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Zaka Ashraf, and new coach, Mohsin Khan, the veteran all-rounder has come back to the camp.
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