Image: In a practice match, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Babar Azam for a duck / © ESPNcricinfo
The Pakistan National Cricket Team is preparing for the upcoming Tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, a crucial event leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The series will start on February 8, 2025, with Pakistan playing against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. In anticipation, the team has been engaging in “scenario-based practice” sessions. During one such practice match, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Babar Azam for a duck with a fiery delivery in the first over, a moment that has gone viral.
This practice match highlighted Afridi’s excellent form as he gears up for the Tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy. However, Babar Azam’s recent inconsistency with the bat has been a concern for the team. In his last 10 innings, he has scored five fifties but has also been dismissed cheaply multiple times. As Pakistan’s key batter, his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy is under scrutiny. Despite this, he is expected to open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman in the ICC tournament.
Meanwhile, Afridi also shared a heartfelt anniversary post for his wife, Ansha Shahid, celebrating two years of marriage. The couple welcomed their first child in August 2024.