England defeated Pakistan in the Super Eights stage in Kandy, chasing a target of 165 with five balls remaining. Despite the loss, Atherton praised Shaheen for returning to top form at a crucial moment.

Speaking about the left-arm pacer, Atherton said, "Wickets up top is what he’s all about. His combination of obviously decent pace, and if he can get that ball swinging, he remains a very dangerous opponent."

Shaheen proved his value by taking four important wickets in the match. Atherton also called him one of the iconic figures of Pakistan cricket and said it was good to see him back among the wickets.

England’s chase did not begin smoothly. On just the second ball of the innings, Phil Salt was dismissed for a golden duck after being caught behind off Shaheen, making the score 0-1.Early wickets created pressure as England slipped to 35-3 during the power play. However, Captain Harry Brook stood firm under pressure.

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Brook played a stunning innings, scoring his first T20 International century. He guided England from a difficult 35-3 to 155-6 before being dismissed by Shaheen. His hundred was the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history and the first by a team captain.

England eventually reached the target of 165 in a tense finish, winning by two wickets and securing a place in the semi-finals.

Atherton said Shaheen almost turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. "They only needed to get Harry Brook out and that was probably Pakistan’s game. But Brook was just too good for them tonight," he added.

After the match, Shaheen showed great sportsmanship. He called Brook’s innings a "world-class knock" and even said it could be the best innings of Brook’s life. "Brook played proper cricketing shots, and he deserved a handshake, so I went to him and shook his hand in appreciation," said Shaheen.