ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Hassan Ali provides fitness update on Shaheen Afridi ahead of Australia clash

Shaheen Afridi has picked 4 wickets so far in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Pakistan pacer Hassan Ali gave an important update on fellow speedster Shaheen Afridi’s illness and fitness. Pakistan are slated to face Australia in a crunch match on Friday, October 20, 2023, in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Pakistan have played three games and, despite winning against Netherlands and Sri Lanka, they will be coming into Australia game with a demoralizing defeat to India. India hammered Pakistan by seven wickets in a one-sided contest in front of more than one lakh spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Australia recently won their first encounter in the World Cup after losing to India and South Africa.

Before this match, Hassan Ali spoke about the team’s fitness issues are clearing up and has thrown his support behind the off-colored Shaheen Afridi to make a big mark on the tournament.

He is a champion and he has given a lot of performances for Pakistan- Hassan Ali on Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi has been off-color in the first three matches Pakistan played, he has four wickets in three matches, and his speeds were also not up to par. He has bowled in the low 130kmph instead of his usual high of 130kmph and early 140 kmph.

Hasan Ali, speaking to the media on Thursday, said that part of Afridi’s poor form can be due to illness.

“No one has control over their health or injury. It’s just room sickness, a flu, and hopefully we will all be fine soon. Shaheen has won us many matches in Pakistan. I know he is not fit right now, but very soon he will be there. He is a champion, and he has given a lot of performances for Pakistan,” Hassan Ali was quoted by the ICC.

Although it is unclear whether Shaheen will be entirely ready for Friday's play, Hasan claims that most of the squad trained in Bengaluru ahead of the game, with only Fakhar Zaman missing from the practice.