KARACHI: Shahid Afridi, the box office trailblazer of Pakistan white ball cricket, believes his “unpredictable” nation can summon the spirit of 2009 and win a second T20 World Cup.
Afridi was man of the match in a nail-biting seven-run semifinal win over South Africa in the tournament 12 years ago where he made 51.
He then starred again in the eight-wicket rout of Sri Lanka in the final at Lord’s where he smashed an undefeated 54.
Pakistan’s victory came just three months after the terror attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore, an incident which sparked a shutdown of international cricket in the country.
“We had that issue of the Sri Lanka attacks on our minds,” Afridi told AFP.
“The whole nation was disappointed and frustrated so that win was very much needed.
“The win gave the whole nation happiness and some unforgettable moments.”
Afridi famously stormed onto the scene in 1996 when he broke the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket, reaching his hundred from 37 balls.
It was a record which stood until 2014.
Afridi, who played 99 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, thinks recent setbacks can again inspire Babar Azam’s team in the 2021 T20 showpiece.
A month before the mega-event, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned, apparently believing new board chairman Ramiz Raja would sack them anyway.
Then New Zealand abandoned their tour of the country just minutes before the first ODI in Rawalpindi.
Three days later, England also withdrew its men’s and women’s teams from visiting Pakistan.
“This is Pakistan cricket for you, never ever a dull day,” added Afridi ruefully.
“Pakistan can surprise any team in the world. Rule them out at your peril.”
In his 22-year international career, Afridi was at the heart of Pakistan’s “topsy-turvy” ride in limited overs cricket.
Afridi anchored Pakistan’s run to the final in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, taking 12 wickets which earned him the player of the tournament award.
Pakistan, however, lost twice against arch-rivals India — including the final.
“Pakistan gave the best entertainment in the first T20 World Cup,” insists Afridi.
“We lost to India in the group match after a bowl-out, which was something very new for us.”
Pakistan then lost the final with Misbah-ul-Haq falling to an injudicious shot off the third ball of the final over, with just six needed for a win.
“Misbah brought Pakistan into the game but then we lost by the barest of margins,” said Afridi.
Under Afridi, defending champions Pakistan then lost in the semifinal of the 2010 edition in the Caribbean when Michael Hussey clobbered 39 runs in the last two overs to give Australia an unlikely win.
“T20 suits our character,” added Afridi. “We have the talent, approach and aggression required for this rapid format.
“It is a format which is loved throughout Pakistan. We won against every team and then every team adopted that style.
“Bowling is now full of variety and new batting techniques have developed.”
Afridi insists Pakistan can once again spring a few surprises in the UAE.
“The current Pakistan team is very talented although they lack experienced players. But, as we all know, never under-estimate a Pakistan team!”
Pakistan to summon spirit of 2009 for T20 title, says Afridi
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Pakistan to summon spirit of 2009 for T20 title, says Afridi
- Afridi was man of the match in a nail-biting seven-run semifinal win over South Africa in the tournament 12 years ago
- Afridi insists Pakistan can once again spring a few surprises in the UAE
Ravaglia heroics lead Bologna to Italian Super Cup final in Riyadh
- Despite falling behind early, Bologna equalized in the 34th minute before prevailing on penalties
RIYADH: It was a night of shared football culture in Riyadh as Inter Milan and Bologna met in the second 2025/26 Italian Super Cup semi-final. The travelling Inter support brought their drums, colour and constant noise, blending with Saudi Inter fans to create a lively atmosphere inside the stadium.
The match began at a blistering pace, with Inter taking the lead less than two minutes after kick-off. Marcus Thuram powered home from close range after meeting an accurate cross from Alessandro Bastoni to score the opening goal of the night.
Inter immediately searched for a second, with Ange-Yoan Bonny going close in the fourth minute, feinting past Torbjorn Heggem before dragging his effort just wide of the post.
After Inter’s early barrage, Bologna began to grow into the contest, with Jens Odgaard leading much of the offence. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez was called into action to preserve Inter’s advantage.
The energy among Inter supporters continued to build, with fans jumping in unison and lifting their scarves as they urged their side forward in search of a second goal.
That momentum was checked in the 34th minute, when a VAR review resulted in a penalty for Bologna. Riccardo Orsolini slotted the spot-kick coolly past Martinez to bring I Rossoblu back level.
Inter pushed forward after the break as the game opened up, but there was no getting past Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia, who made four saves in the second half alone.
Hope briefly returned for the Nerazzurri when Bonny was brought down in the box in the 56th minute, only for the initial appeal for a penalty to be overturned following consultation with VAR.
Less than 10 minutes later, the stadium rose to welcome Lautaro Martinez. Brought on alongside Andy Diouf and Davide Frattesi in a triple substitution, Lautaro made an immediate impact but was unable to find the decisive goal before the end of regular time.
Bologna came within moments of snatching a winner in injury time, but goalkeeper Martinez reacted sharply to make a crucial save, sending the semi-final into a penalty shootout.
The shootout began evenly, with both sides converting their penalties before goalkeepers intervened at either end. Nicolo Barella then fired over the crossbar, only for Juan Miranda to mirror the miss moments later.
Inter’s struggles from the spot continued as Ravaglia made his second save of the shootout, before Jonathan Rowe gave Bologna the advantage. Stefan de Vrij converted to extend the contest, but Ciro Immobile struck decisively to send Bologna through.
The Rossoblu will now face Napoli in the Italian Super Cup final at Al-Awwal Park on December 22, after the Serie A champions defeated AC Milan 2-0 in the first semi-final.
