Shaheen Afridi has been having a tough time lately, struggling to take wickets as the star Pakistani fast bowler. In the current T20I series against New Zealand, the left-arm pacer has been giving away too many runs. Former Pakistani bowler Sikander Bakht believes that Shaheen should step back to domestic cricket and be dropped from the national squad.

In the fourth T20I, which Pakistan lost by a staggering 115 runs, Shaheen allowed 49 runs in his four overs. Throughout the series, the 24-year-old has managed to take only two wickets.

In the second T20I against New Zealand, things got worse for Shaheen when he gave up 24 runs in just one over, with Tim Seifert hitting him for four sixes. Sikander Bakht now suggests that it might be time to bench Shaheen and explore other options.

"My stance is straightforward. Don’t select him until he returns to domestic cricket. Just don’t pick him at all. He needs a break. Let’s put some pressure on him. People say there are no alternatives, but it’s time to drop Shaheen," Sikander Bakht shared with Geo Super.

"Let Shaheen know he’s being dropped due to his poor performance. Allow him to play domestically and give him a reason to fight for his spot back on the team," he added.

'Put some pressure on Shaheen'

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif echoed Sikander Bakht's sentiments, suggesting it's time to explore new options and give Shaheen a break.

"Shaheen's burden regarding the team has been lifted. With Naseem Shah absent and Mohammad Hasnain not in the squad, it's essential to apply some pressure on Shaheen. This is crucial right now," Latif stated.

In the fourth T20I, Pakistan was dismissed for just 105 runs in 16.2 overs while chasing a target of 221. This victory allowed New Zealand to secure a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

The 115-run defeat marks Pakistan's largest loss in T20I history in terms of runs.

The two teams will meet again for the fifth and final T20I on Wednesday, March 26, as they gear up for the ODI series starting on March 29. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are set to return for the three-match ODI series.

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