Fast bowlers have always played a vital role in any team's success. If they provide an early breakthrough, other bowlers can bowl out or restrict the batting side to a low score.Pakistan has an impressive history of producing great fast bowlers. Not a long time ago, Pakistan had the most lethal bowling attack with Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar.

After the retirement of these greats, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul helped Pakistan win a number of matches.

These fast bowlers helped Pakistan win many matches even when they had a fragile batting line, not only at home but abroad too.

In the early days of his career, Amir was compared with Wasim Akram for his ability to swing the ball both ways. But the five-year ban for spot-fixing in 2010 badly damaged his career.

In the current squad, Pakistan have a good bunch of fast bowlers in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf. They played a decisive role in the group matches of the T20 World Cup the final of which will be played today.

Shaheen is a world-class pace bowler and a genuine match winner, especially in limited overs cricket. Reverse-swing, slow balls, yorkers, and bouncers are his potent weapons.

Shaheen made his Twenty20 International debut against West Indies on April 3, 2018, in Karachi. He conceded 27 runs, but failed to take a wicket.

The left arm fast bowler made his ODI debut in Asia Cup against Afghanistan on September 21, 2018, at Abu Dhabi. He claimed two wickets for 38 runs.

He proved his mettle with a masterful performance against Bangladesh in 2019 when he took 6-35 in an ODI.

Shaheen made his Test debut in a defeat against New Zealand in December 2018. He has played 19 Tests so far, taking 76 wickets, averaging around 25. His best performance has been 10-94, which he recorded against West Indies earlier this year.

He became the first cricketer born in the new millennium to represent Pakistan when he played the third T20I against the West Indies. In December, he became the 35th player to make his Test debut for Pakistan under the age of 19.

He took 8-39 in his Quaid-e-Azam Trophy debut match in September 2017. It was the best-ever figures by a debutant in the competition.

Lahore Qalandars picked him for the 2018 Pakistan Super League. His first ball was dispatched for a six by Shahid Afridi but the younger Afridi got the older one the very next ball.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup, the 6ft 6ins left arm fast bowler shattered the hopes of India with a mesmerising spell of fast bowling.

His match winning 3-31 off four overs finally ended the jinx against India in World Cup competitions.

Shahid Afridi has been extremely impressed with Shaheen. He says Shaheen can win matches for the national team. But Shahid is also concerned about the fast bowler's workload. "He will need to be used very carefully as I don't think he will survive if his workload is not managed," the former captain says.

But Shaheen is satisfied with his role in all formats of the game. "I enjoy all formats. I really enjoy Test cricket because you are really tested in each session. It is fun and it makes you tough," he says.

"I think our physio and trainer are managing my workload really well. I think they both know how I should be used. It is my time to play for Pakistan. I feel very happy when I play well for my country," he says.

khurrams87@yahoo.com