New Delhi: Pakistani cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi joyously welcomed his first child, Ali Yar, with a heartwarming celebration during the opening Test match against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Though red-ball coach Jason Gillespie had initially expressed the belief that Shaheen Shah Afridi was going to miss the Test series, the fast bowler did everything he could to turn up for his country. Even as the match began on a hard note, with Bangladesh earning a significant 117-run lead in the first innings, Afridi hung in to secure the big wickets.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, famous for his traditional wicket celebration of raising his arms, this time did the cradling gesture in memory of his newborn son. Hasan Mahmud got down on the on side and could only manage to edge the ball.
Mohammad Rizwan took a straightforward catch as Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed his first wicket, leading to the fast bowler’s unique celebration. Shaheen later dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, ending the day with commendable figures of 30-3-88-2.
That Celebration @iShaheenAfridi’s first wicket after the birth of his son! #PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/3x0jwtOHw3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 24, 2024
Earlier, Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, who won gold in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics, extended his congratulations to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who married Shahid Afridi’s daughter in February. Nadeem also sent his best wishes to Shahid Afridi following his new role as a grandfather.
Earlier, Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, who won gold in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics, extended his congratulations to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who married Shahid Afridi’s daughter in February. Nadeem also sent his best wishes to Shahid Afridi following his new role as a grandfather.
As far as Pakistan are concerned, they looked indifferent on an excellent pitch to bat on. After putting up a decent performance with the bat, Shan Masood’s men failed to carry the momentum in the bowling department. Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191 and Shadman Islam’s 93 made sure that Bangladesh went past Pakistan’s score comfortably.