'We reached the finals of both events' - Shaheen Afridi makes bold prediction about Pakistan's chances in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Afridi recently returned to action during the first T20I against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, after being rested for the T20I series against Afghanistan. While fans were thrilled to see Shaheen back in action, it was Haris Rauf who stole the show with his career-best figures and inspired Pakistan's big win over the Kiwis.

After captain Babar Azam elected to bat in his 100th T20I game, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub scored 47 runs each and put on a 79-run partnership for the third wicket to anchor Pakistan to 182 all out in 19.5 overs. Rauf, who was one of five players who returned after being rested in Pakistan's last series against Afghanistan, took career-best figures of 4-18 as New Zealand were bowled out for 94 in 15.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim finished with 2-2 in his only over, taking both his wickets off successive deliveries.

Mark Chapman top-scored with a 27-ball 34 inclusive of four boundaries and a six, while skipper Tom Latham made a 24-ball 20. Rauf's previous best T20 figures of 4-22 had also come against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.

In a post-match interview, Shaheen Afridi expressed his hopes for Pakistan's future in the Asia Cup and the World Cup. "Asia Cup and World Cup are big events, we reached the finals of both events last time, and I hope we will win them this year In Shaa Allah," he said.

Good record in World events

Shaheen's confidence in Pakistan's chances is not unfounded. The team has a strong track record in major tournaments, having won the World Cup in 1992 and the T20 World Cup in 2009. Additionally, Pakistan reached the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, beating the likes of England and India along the way.

Pakistan's recent victory over New Zealand in the T20I series will undoubtedly boost their confidence going into these upcoming tournaments. The team has a wealth of talent at their disposal, with the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali in their ranks.

However, success in major tournaments is never guaranteed, and Pakistan will need to perform at their best to overcome strong opposition from teams such as India, England, and Australia. But with players like Shaheen Afridi leading the way, Pakistani fans have every reason to be optimistic about their chances in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.