Pakistan need wickets, not speed,’ says Shaheen ahead of second England ODI

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has stressed the importance of taking wickets over bowling speed, acknowledging that his own pace has decreased while insisting that accuracy and discipline remain crucial for success ahead of the second ODI against England.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Shaheen admitted that his bowling speed had dropped but maintained that Pakistan needed breakthroughs rather than pace alone.

“Yes, my speed has come down. In my opinion, the Pakistan team needs wickets, not speed. Haris Rauf and Razaullah are there for this. But in my opinion, when your line and length are better, the other team gets disturbed more,” Shaheen said.

The Pakistan captain also backed Saim Ayub despite concerns over the opener’s recent performances in the T20 and ODI formats, highlighting the all-round value he brings to the side.

Shaheen pointed to Saim’s bowling contribution in the previous match against England, explaining that his ability to bowl spin helped Pakistan contain the opposition when the team needed a spinner. He also praised Saim’s fielding and acknowledged that the batter himself was aware of his struggles with the bat.

The captain urged patience with players who were going through difficult phases, arguing that it was too early to write them off. He expressed hope that Saim would regain his form and contribute with the bat in the coming matches.

Shaheen also emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency in team selection, saying Pakistan were trying to settle on a combination rather than make frequent changes. He acknowledged that one or two changes might be necessary, but stressed that making three or four changes could make it difficult for players to settle.

Discussing Pakistan’s approach with the ball, Shaheen said the team would focus on executing its plans instead of worrying about the opposition’s scoring ambitions.

“We don’t have to think about 400 runs or 500 runs. Our cricket is that if it is our first bowling, then we have to stay on 200-250. And our bowling is capable of doing that, Inshallah,” he said.

The captain also backed Fakhar Zaman, describing him as a key player for Pakistan’s upcoming World Cup campaign and stressing the importance of having him in the team.

Shaheen further explained that Pakistan were looking to prepare pitches that offered more assistance to fast bowlers, given the importance of pace bowling at the venue of the upcoming World Cup. He said the team management was working to settle the side around a consistent combination.

On the balance of the playing XI, Shaheen highlighted the value of having capable batters lower down the order, arguing that contributions from the tail could put additional pressure on opponents. He also praised the performances of young players, including Hassan Nawaz, Saqib and Arafat Minhas, while noting that the team still had areas to improve as the series progressed.

Reflecting on the overall conditions, Shaheen described Pakistan’s performance as encouraging, particularly their ability to defend totals in challenging circumstances. He also credited Sri Lanka for building a partnership and finishing comfortably in their recent match against England, suggesting that the dew factor had worked against England.

As Pakistan prepare for the second ODI, Shaheen’s message remained clear: the side must trust its plans, maintain discipline and prioritise taking wickets rather than relying on bowling speed alone.