The name is Afridi…Shaheen Afridi. Yes, totally cliché but we cannot think of anything other than this customized Bond catchphrase to introduce the new talent on the block. The 17-year-old from Khyber Agency is Pakistan’s new bowling sensation not only share a name with Pakistan’s most favourite all-rounder Shahid Afridi but has also left cricket pundits and fans with his impressive spell in a match played in the ongoing Pakistani Super League (PSL) 2018, domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament held in Dubai.

Shaheen Afridi picked up his maiden five-wicket haul to help Lahore Qalandars register its first victory in the third edition of PSL. While Lahore also benefitted from former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s strokeful innings, but it is Shaheen Afridi whose fifer has become the biggest highlight of the competition so far. The Twitterati simply could not keep their calm witnessing the teenage sensation’s phenomenal bowling performance and gave an overwhelming response to the new ‘Afridi’ in town!

Afridi in his bowling spell of 3.4 overs bowled 18 dots, picking five wickets by giving just four runs. Such a magical spell was needed for Lahore Qalandars to snap their losing-streak in PSL and especially when facing table toppers Multan Sultans. The young pacer while speaking to Geo TV, revealed how he had planned to deliver every ball as a dot-ball and it was that mindset and attempt that eventually helped him pick the five wickets.

“My target was to deliver every ball as a dot-ball and I first got the wicket of Shoaib Malik. He is Pakistan’s star and I feel good to have taken his wicket,” Afridi was quoted saying. He continued "We were talking in the bus today and Sameen bhai [team manager and franchise COO] asked me what you would do today. I promised him to I would five wickets. He told me that not just five wickets, but you have to bowl every ball with passion," he said.

The young pacer is receiving praises from all sides but being appreciated from the man who has taken Pakistan cricket to glorious heights has to be extra special. Cricketing legend, Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to wish Shaheen Afridi and was his kind and friendly self. He writes, "Shabash Shaheen Shah Afridi... Champion in the making, finally some smiles for @lahoreqalandars fans, really happy for them".

Shabash Afridi, From The Legendary Afridi

Not just Shahid Afridi but Pakistan Twitterverse exploded singing praises for the young bowler. They hailed the fiery bowler and hoped for his brighter future. Of course, there was a lot of 'new Afridi of Pakistan cricket' chants in town but all in positive spirit.

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Shaheen has also got appreciations from India batting legend Rahul Dravid and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. The younger Afridi said, "It feels good when all legends praise me. Wasim bhai, Waqar bhai, Rahul Dravid, they have all backed me and supported me which boosts my morale." He claimed PSL to be a good stage for budding cricketers to display their talent and now has set his eyes on selection in Pakistan's national team with consistent good shows in the tournament.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 10, 2018 10:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).