World Cup 2019: Ranking the top five bowlers of the tournament

#4 Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

Shaheen Afridi

Initially, Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi was not expected to be a part of Sarfraz Ahmed’s playing XI. But Hasan Ali’s horror form left the Men in Green searching for a replacement, and Afridi grabbed the opportunity. The teenager repaid the faith in style as he picked up 16 wickets in just 5 games.

He was Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in the competition, just 1 wicket behind Mohammad Amir, who played 8 matches. Afridi was excellent against Afghanistan and New Zealand, but his best performance came in Pakistan’s last match against Bangladesh. Afridi rattled the Bangladeshi batting order with his baffling pace. He picked up 6 wickets in that match and also became the only bowler to do so in this tournament. He was also the most economical Pakistani bowler in that match.

He has now cemented his place in the team and Pakistani fans will hope to see more such spells from him in the years to come.