Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaheen Afridi: Stats & Wickets Comparison (Who Is Better)
When it comes to modern-day fast bowling, few players excite cricket fans like Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi. These two are not just the best spinners in their respective countries, but they are the epitome of bowlers who have redefined skill across all formats. From Bumrah’s accurate yorkers to Shaheen’s swing, both have their own unique identity that has made them great assets for their teams. But the big question remains: who is the better bowler?
Let’s delve deeper into their records, statistics and influence and finally try to answer this debate.
Jasprit Bumrah: India’s Yorker Machine
Ever since Jasprit Bumrah made his international debut in 2016, he has been India’s match-winner in tough situations. His deadly accuracy and ability to bowl inch-perfect yorkers make him one of the toughest bowlers in world cricket. Whether it’s the final over of an ODI, a fiery spell in a Test or a pressure cooker in a T20, Bumrah’s calm nature sets him apart. He’s not just a wicket-taker, he’s a game-changer.
Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s Left-Arm Bowler
Pakistan has always been known for producing great fast bowlers and Shaheen is truly carrying on that legacy. Afridi is tall, fierce and endowed with the ability to swing the new ball at a fast pace in both directions. Shaheen’s rise since his debut in 2018 has been sensational. When he’s in rhythm, he can tear through the top batting order in minutes, as India, Australia and New Zealand have all experienced for themselves.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaheen Afridi: Test Match Comparison
| Category | Jasprit Bumrah (India) | Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| Innings Bowled | 95 | 55 |
| Wickets Taken | 226 | 120 |
| Overs Bowled | 1609 | 1040 |
| Maidens | 379 | 209 |
| Runs Conceded | 4483 | 3283 |
| Best Bowling | 6/27 | 6/51 |
| Economy Rate | 2.78 | 3.15 |
Bumrah’s statistics in Test cricket speak volumes about his consistency and longevity. With 226 wickets in just 95 innings, he is one of the fastest Indians to cross the 200-wicket mark. His average economy rate of 2.78 reflects his control, even if it is not helpful.
On the other hand, Shaheen has also been extraordinary, especially considering his age. With 120 wickets in just 55 innings, he has become Pakistan’s strike weapon in Tests. However, his slightly higher economy rate (3.15) suggests that while he is deadly with the new ball, he can sometimes leak runs for long periods.
Bumrah vs Shaheen: ODI bowling record
| Category | Bumrah (India) | Shaheen (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 89 | 70 |
| Wickets | 149 | 141 |
| Best Bowling | 6/19 | 6/35 |
| Average | 23.2 | 25.1 |
| Economy Rate | 4.55 | 5.12 |
| Strike Rate | 30.1 | 29.5 |
In ODIs, it is a very close contest. Bumrah’s economy rate is one of the best in world cricket, he rarely lets the runs flow freely. His ability to bowl tight early on and a lethal yorker in the death overs make him one of the most balanced bowlers ever.
Meanwhile, Shaheen is a wicket-taker in every sense of the word. His early successes often set the tone for Pakistan. He is a bit more aggressive, sometimes trading economy for wickets.
T20I Bowling Comparison
| Category | Bumrah (India) | Shaheen (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 72 | 68 |
| Wickets | 92 | 91 |
| Best Bowling | 3/11 | 4/22 |
| Average | 19.5 | 21.2 |
| Economy Rate | 6.5 | 7.1 |
| Strike Rate | 17.8 | 18.1 |
Both bowlers shine in T20 cricket. Bumrah’s economy is excellent at under 7 years of age, he thrives under pressure and bowls yorkers better than anyone in world cricket.
Meanwhile, Shaheen is Pakistan’s powerplay weapon. His first two overs can destroy the top order as was seen against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Batting And Fielding Stats (Tests)
| Category | Bumrah | Shaheen |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 341 | 256 |
| Average | 7 | 8 |
| Best Score | 34 | 29 |
| Catches | 17 | 3 |
Neither of them are known for their batting, but Bumrah has shown glimpses of toughness with the bat (who can forget his partnership with Shami at Lord’s 2021?). In terms of fielding, Bumrah is slightly ahead with 17 catches compared to Shaheen’s 3.
Match Impact And Style Comparison
Skills and variety
- Bumrah: Unconventional action, deceptive pace, precise yorkers and reverse swing.
- Shaheen: Classical left-arm swing, natural seam position and bounce from length.
Match Impact
- Bumrah: Bowls at any stage: new ball, middle over, or death.
- Shaheen: Devastating with the new ball, especially in light.
Mindset
Bumrah bowls calmly, analytically and often surgically. Shaheen brings passion, aggression and emotional intensity.
You may also like: Ravindra Jadeja vs Rachin Ravindra: Runs, Wickets & Stats Comparison
Big Match Performances
Bumrah:
- 6/19 vs England, 2022 (ODI)
- 5/7 vs West Indies, 2019 World Cup
- 5/24 vs South Africa, 2023 World Cup
- Impressive spells in Lord’s Test 2021 and Cape Town 2024
Shaheen:
- 6/35 vs Bangladesh, 2019
- 3/31 vs India, T20 WC 2021 (destroying Indian top order)
- 10 wickets vs Sri Lanka, 2022 Test series
- Consistent wicket-taker in PSL and T20
Who Is Better Overall?
This is the million dollar question and the honest answer depends on which you value the most.
- If you like control, adaptability and accuracy under pressure, then Bumrah is your player.
- If you like raw swing, aggression and wicket-taking charisma, Shaheen steals the show.
Statistically, Bumrah leads in economy and overall averages, while Shaheen has his share of strike rate and impact spells.
Final verdict: Jasprit Bumrah is marginally better than Shaheen Afridi due to his match-winning spells in the tournament. But make no mistake, Shaheen is just getting started, and this rivalry could define fast bowling for the next decade.
ConclusionÂ
The rivalry between Bumrah and Shaheen represents what cricket fans love, passion, accuracy and pace. Both bowlers have inspired millions of bowlers, and their duel will shape modern fast bowling for years to come. Whether you cheer for Bumrah’s yorkers or Shaheen’s screaming in-swingers, one thing is certain: cricket is richer because of them.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
Q1. Who has better bowling stats, Bumrah or Shaheen?
Overall, Jasprit Bumrah’s stats are slightly better across all formats. He averages under 25 in ODIs and under 20 in T20s. However, Shaheen has a better strike rate in the Powerplay and strikes more often early.
Q2. Which bowler is more dangerous with the new ball?
Shaheen Afridi is currently the most lethal new ball bowler in the world. His ability to swing the ball at high speed makes him deadly in the first 5-6 overs. Bumrah is also effective, but he is more versatile throughout the innings than just the opening spell.
Q3. Who performs better in pressure matches?
This is Bumrah’s territory. From the Champions Trophy to the World Cup and the IPL final, Bumrah has repeatedly performed when the game is on the line.
