Afridi, just like his batting, is a brazen character – loves to be in the limelight and always willing to talk his mind unmindful of the consequences.
In stark contrast, Gul is a subdued person with focus firmly set on performing on the field. But the result was catastrophic for the opposition when these two have come together in the event.
Afridi could not shine with the bat until the semifinal against West Indies, but he negated that failing with a superb show with ball. Rival batsmen have found the leg-spin of Afridi more than handful and here too he has been unconventional. The Pashtoon does not spin the ball a mile like orthodox leg-spinners but relies more on fast straight ones and skidders to hunt down his preys.
His 10 wickets from six matches at 12.90 with an impressive economy of 5.37 mirror the success of his theory. Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was aware of the threat Afridi poses.
“Afridi is a guy who can take the game away from you in a few overs. But we can't really get caught up with just one player. We have to make some plans for him and see how we can get him out early.
“Even if he stays there for a longer period we have to make sure we minimise the damage,” Sangakkara said, but he might be aware of the tough nature of the task.
Gul is the joint highest-wicket taker of the tournament with 12 wickets to his name and his bowling philosophy has been simple – run in hard, bowl straight and fast.
Sometimes unfussy things give you the maximum results and Gul stands as an example and his spell against Sri Lankan batsmen will have a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
Though there were some hushed talks about the reverse swing he has managed to get as early as in the 12th over, it has not deterred the silent assassin of Pakistan.
Will it be a Gul-Afridi duet at Lord’s?
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks