Shaheen Afridi’s DRS Blunder Costs Pakistan in Champions Trophy Clash Against India
Pakistan’s fast-bowling spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, made headlines for the wrong reasons during the high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 match against India. In a moment of poor judgment, Afridi wasted a valuable Decision Review System (DRS) appeal, attempting to overturn a clear LBW decision against him. The incident left fans frustrated as Pakistan squandered a critical review that could have been pivotal in the later stages of the game.
How Shaheen Wasted Pakistan’s DRS
The crucial moment unfolded in the 43rd over of Pakistan’s innings when Shaheen Afridi joined an in-form Khushdil Shah at the crease, looking to stabilize the innings. Facing Kuldeep Yadav, Shaheen was completely deceived by a sharp-turning googly. The ball pitched outside off-stump and spun back sharply, hitting the left-hander plumb on the pads as he attempted a defensive shot.
Key Details of the Dismissal:
- Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav
- Delivery: Googly, turning in from outside off-stump
- Impact: Struck Shaheen in front of the stumps
- Umpire’s Decision: Out (LBW)
- Shaheen’s Reaction: Opted for DRS
- Third Umpire’s Verdict: Three reds on HawkEye, on-field decision upheld
Despite the clear LBW call, Afridi reviewed the decision, only for the HawkEye to confirm his dismissal. The failed review meant Pakistan lost a crucial DRS opportunity that could have been crucial later in the innings.
Pakistan Struggles in Champions Trophy Thriller
Pakistan’s innings faced early setbacks as key batters Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq fell cheaply. However, a resilient partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel gave Pakistan some hope. But once India broke that stand, their bowlers took control, triggering a collapse.
As of the latest update, Pakistan stood at 216/7, with Khushdil Shah (25)* and Naseem Shah (11)* battling to post a competitive total.
The Impact of Shaheen’s Decision
- Loss of DRS: Pakistan wasted a key review that could have been vital for their bowlers.
- Momentum Shift: The decision allowed India to maintain their dominance.
- Tactical Error: Afridi’s poor judgment drew criticism from fans and experts alike.
Final Thoughts
Shaheen Afridi’s DRS blunder turned out to be a costly mistake for Pakistan in their crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India. While the pressure of a high-profile match can lead to errors, smarter decision-making is crucial at the international level. As the tournament progresses, Pakistan will need to regroup and ensure such costly errors do not impact their chances of success.
