Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked sharp criticism from former captain Shahid Afridi, who did not hold back while assessing the team’s performance. In a surprising turn, Afridi openly criticised his son-in-law and star pacer Shaheen Afridi, questioning his decision-making in crucial moments.
Despite defeating Sri Lanka national cricket team in their final Super 8 fixture, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals due to an inferior Net Run Rate (NRR). The result left fans frustrated and former players demanding accountability.
Afridi Questions Shaheen’s Death Bowling Tactics
Speaking to Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment over Shaheen’s approach in the final over against Sri Lanka. According to Afridi, the left-arm pacer continues to repeat tactical mistakes despite years of international experience.
Afridi remarked that Shaheen has been playing at the top level for quite some time and should now possess a clear understanding of how to execute plans in high-pressure situations. He pointed out that bowling angles and field placements must align with match conditions, particularly on Asian pitches where batters tend to dominate.
The former all-rounder stressed that when a right-handed batter is on strike, bowling from around the wicket without proper field adjustments can prove costly. He explained that wide yorkers are risky when third man and point fielders are inside the circle, as it opens scoring opportunities. According to Afridi, bowling over the wicket would have made it significantly harder for the batter to clear the boundary.
His comments have triggered debate across cricketing circles, especially given the family relationship between the two players.
The Crucial Final Over Against Sri Lanka
Shaheen Afridi’s performance in the 20th over against Sri Lanka became a focal point of discussion. Sri Lanka required 28 runs in the final over to win. While Pakistan eventually secured a narrow five-run victory, Shaheen conceded 22 runs in that over, putting immense pressure on his side.
However, after switching to an over-the-wicket angle, Shaheen managed to bowl two dot balls, which proved decisive in preventing a dramatic defeat. Even so, the damage had already been done from a qualification perspective.
Here is a quick summary of the match situation:
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Target for Sri Lanka | 201 Runs |
| Runs Needed in Final Over | 28 Runs |
| Runs Conceded by Shaheen in 20th Over | 22 Runs |
| Match Result | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
| Qualification Outcome | Pakistan eliminated |
Net Run Rate Crushes Pakistan’s Semi-Final Hopes
Although Pakistan managed to finish the Super 8 stage level on points and wins with New Zealand national cricket team, their inferior NRR proved costly.
To surpass New Zealand’s net run rate and secure a semi-final berth in the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 runs. Instead, Sri Lanka crossed the 200-run mark, leaving Pakistan with an uphill mathematical challenge.
Below is how the qualification scenario unfolded:
| Team | Matches Won | Points | Net Run Rate | Qualification Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Equal | Equal | Superior | Qualified |
| Pakistan | Equal | Equal | Inferior | Eliminated |
New Zealand, led by captain Mitchell Santner, advanced to the knockout stage due to their stronger NRR, despite having identical win and point tallies as Pakistan.
Also read: Pakistan Cricket Board Gives Severe Punishment to Players After T20 World Cup Exit
Mounting Pressure on Pakistan’s Senior Players
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 was marked by inconsistency. While they showed flashes of brilliance, especially in must-win matches, their inability to dominate comprehensively in earlier fixtures ultimately cost them a semi-final spot.
Shahid Afridi’s public criticism reflects a broader frustration within Pakistan cricket. Former players and analysts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of tactical awareness, especially in the death overs — an area where Pakistan has struggled in recent ICC tournaments.
Shaheen Afridi, widely regarded as one of the most talented left-arm fast bowlers in modern cricket, now faces renewed scrutiny. His ability to deliver under pressure remains unquestioned, but decision-making in crunch moments has come under the spotlight.
Also read: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan Exits T20 World Cup Despite Narrow Win Over Sri Lanka
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With their journey in the T20 World Cup 2026 ending earlier than expected, Pakistan will likely undergo a period of introspection. Selection strategies, tactical planning, and leadership decisions are expected to be reviewed ahead of future ICC events.
For Shaheen Afridi, the criticism from Shahid Afridi may serve as motivation rather than discouragement. Great players often evolve through tough phases, and Pakistan will be hoping their pace spearhead emerges stronger from this setback.
As the tournament heads toward its semi-final stage, Pakistan’s early exit remains one of the most talked-about storylines of the T20 World Cup 2026 — a campaign that promised much but ultimately fell short due to fine margins and costly tactical errors.
