T20 cricket keeps changing, but the first six overs still decide the mood of a match. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi remains central to that phase because he can create pressure without needing a complicated plan.
The left-arm angle is only the beginning. Shaheen's value comes from forcing batters into early decisions. If the ball swings, the front pad is in danger. If it does not, the batter still has to protect against the full ball while preparing for the hard length.
The key is not to chase magic every over. Pakistan need Shaheen to make the powerplay uncomfortable. That can mean a wicket, but it can also mean two overs that leave the opposition behind the rate and make the second-change bowler look better.
Captains will continue to debate whether to save one Shaheen over for the death. The answer depends on the surface, but Pakistan should not forget what makes him rare. Few bowlers can change the first ten balls of an innings as quickly.
If Pakistan build their field and bowling changes around that threat, the rest of the attack becomes easier to manage. The new ball is still the cleanest place for Shaheen to shape a game.