Shaheen warns best yet to come after leading Pakistan into T20 semis

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi (R) celebrates after taking a wicket against Bangladesh during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket at Adelaide Oval, Australia, on November 6, 2022 in Adelaide. (PCB/Twitter)
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Updated 06 November 2022
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Shaheen warns best yet to come after leading Pakistan into T20 semis

  • The left-arm pacer rattled the Bangladesh batsmen with his swing and seam, restricting them to 127-8
  • The 22-year-old missed the Asia Cup with a knee injury and is still working his way back to full fitness

Adelaide: Shaheen Shah Afridi warned he is still not back to his fearsome best even after leading Pakistan into the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals with figures of 4-22 against Bangladesh on Sunday. 

The left-arm frontline fast bowler rattled the opposition batsmen with his swing and seam in Adelaide to limit Bangladesh to 127-8 as Pakistan won the do-or-die clash by five wickets. 

The 22-year-old missed the recent Asia Cup with a knee injury and is still working his way back to full fitness after being out of action for three months. 

"It is not easy to come back from such an injury," Shaheen said. 

"I can only give my 100 percent on the field, and I am trying. This injury needed time, I think I came (back) early as it is a World Cup and the team needs me." 

Shaheen struggled for wickets early in the tournament as Pakistan suffered losses to India and then Zimbabwe in Group 2. 

But he seemed to have found rhythm in a win over the Netherlands and came into his own with a match-winning 3-14 against South Africa, a victory that revived their campaign. 

Pakistan's last Super 12 match turned out to be a virtual quarter-final after the Netherlands stunned South Africa in the earlier game. 

 

Shaheen rose to the challenge after Bangladesh elected to bat first and sent back Liton Das for 10 in the third over. 

It was his double strike in the 17th over that broke Bangladesh's back and he took one more to bag four wickets for the first time in T20 internationals. 

"I am not bowling at 150 kph like Haris (Rauf)," Shaheen said. 

"Even before I bowled at 135-140 kph. (Earlier) I felt a pinch during run-up but now feeling much better. 

"Staying in the room for two-three months with an injury affects your mind." 

He added: "I believed that I would come back and my efforts would pay dividends." 

It has not been the best of tournaments for star batsman and skipper Babar Azam, who made a laboured 25 off 33 balls after scores of 0, four, four and six. 

But Shaheen praised the team's comeback and the captain for his support. 

"The credit goes to the whole team. We played good cricket. The games we lost were decided on the last ball, but still we played good cricket," said Shaheen. 

"We didn't get the results in our favour but a good team never falls after a loss. 

"The captain plays a big role to lift the team and support us. We are backing each other and as a result we have won here." 


Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

Updated 22 January 2026
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Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

  • Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh

NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.

Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.

“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”

Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.

In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.

“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”

Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.