The comparison between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mitchell Starc is one of the most exciting debates in modern cricket. Both are left-arm fast bowlers, both possess extreme pace and swing, and both have dominated top batters across formats. While Starc represents experience and longevity, Shaheen symbolizes raw pace, early breakthroughs, and a bright future.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Shaheen Afridi doesn’t wait. He attacks immediately.
From his first over, batters are under pressure. The late inswing, the bounce, the angle — one mistake and the stumps are flying. That is why Shaheen is one of the best new-ball bowlers in the world.
What makes him special:
Wickets in the first 10 overs
Dominates right-hand batters
Changes matches before they even begin
Even at a young age, Shaheen has already delivered huge spells in ICC tournaments and high-pressure games.
Mitchell Starc
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Starc is different.
He doesn’t just take wickets — he destroys hope.
At 145+ km/h, with swing up front and reverse later, Starc is at his most dangerous when batters think they are safe. Then comes the yorker. Game over.
Why Starc is feared:
Lethal at the start and death
One of the greatest World Cup bowlers ever
Proven against the best teams for over a decade
When pressure is highest, Starc usually delivers.
Test Cricket Bowling Comparison
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| Stat | Shaheen Afridi | Mitchell Starc |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 33 | 102 |
| Wickets | 121 | 420 |
| Average | 27.9 | 26.5 |
| Strike Rate | 52.9 | 46.4 |
| 5W Hauls | 4 | 18 |
Verdict: Starc dominates. More experience, more big spells, more damage.
ODI Cricket Bowling Comparison
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| Stat | Shaheen Afridi | Mitchell Starc |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 71 | 130 |
| Wickets | 135 | 247 |
| Average | 25.0 | 23.6 |
| Best Bowling | 6/35 | 6/28 |
| 5W Hauls | 3 | 9 |
T20I Cricket Bowling Comparison
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| Stat | Shaheen Afridi | Mitchell Starc |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 96 | 65 |
| Wickets | 126 | 79 |
| Average | 21.3 | 23.8 |
| Strike Rate | 16.6 | 18.5 |
Verdict: Shaheen clearly ahead. Faster wickets, more pressure, more impact.
Match-Winning Impact Comparison
Stats tell part of the story, but true greatness is about impact — who breaks a match open when it matters most.
Shaheen Afridi’s Bowling Strengths
Shaheen’s biggest strength is timing. He hits teams before they settle.
Early wickets collapse top orders
Forces opposition into defensive mode
Creates pressure for the entire innings
In T20s especially, one Shaheen over can decide the match within minutes. That early damage often proves irreversible.
Mitchell Starc’s Bowling Strengths
Starc’s damage is often terminal.
Big spells against set batters
Devastating yorkers at the death
Reverse swing when teams look comfortable
When Starc gets on a roll, entire batting lineups disappear. His spells don’t just shift momentum — they end contests.
4-Wicket & 5-Wicket Hauls Comparison
This is where the separation becomes clear.
Shaheen Afridi
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4-wicket hauls: 23 (all formats)
5-wicket hauls: 7 (all formats)
Mitchell Starc
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4-wicket hauls: 33 (all formats
5-wicket hauls: 36 (all formats)
Starc’s numbers highlight his ability to completely dominate matches on his own, particularly in Tests and ODIs.
Final Comparison
Mitchell Starc has the stronger career record and big-match legacy, especially in Tests and ODIs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, is more dangerous in modern T20 cricket and with the new ball.
Both are elite fast bowlers, but their impact comes in different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the better bowler overall: Shaheen Afridi or Mitchell Starc?
Mitchell Starc is the better bowler overall due to his long career, World Cup performances, and consistent match-winning spells. However, Shaheen Afridi is more dangerous with the new ball, especially in T20 cricket.
Q2. Who is better in T20 cricket, Shaheen Afridi or Mitchell Starc?
Shaheen Afridi is better in T20Is. His strike rate, early wickets, and powerplay impact give him the edge over Starc in the shortest format.
Q3. Who has the better ODI record?
Mitchell Starc has a stronger ODI record, especially in ICC World Cups where he has consistently taken wickets and delivered match-winning spells.
Q4. Who is the better Test bowler?
Mitchell Starc is clearly ahead in Test cricket due to his experience, higher wicket count, and more 5-wicket hauls compared to Shaheen Afridi.
Q5. Who is more dangerous with the new ball?
Shaheen Afridi is more dangerous with the new ball. His late inswing and ability to take early wickets often break top orders within the first few overs.
Q6. Who has more 5-wicket hauls?
Mitchell Starc has more 5-wicket hauls across all formats, highlighting his ability to completely dominate matches.
Q7. Is Shaheen Afridi the future of fast bowling?
Yes. Shaheen Afridi is considered one of the future leaders of fast bowling due to his age, pace, and performances in high-pressure matches.
Q8. Why is Mitchell Starc so effective in World Cups?
Starc’s pace, accuracy, and reverse swing make him extremely effective in ICC tournaments, especially on big stages where pressure is highest.
Best in the world 🌍
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