SHAHID Afridi starred for Hampshire’s 2nd XI as he prepared for his first domestic Hampshire appearance for five years.

In his first match since captaining Pakistan at the World T20, Afridi took 3-21 as Hampshire's secodn string restricted Sussex to 152-7 on the Ageas Bowl’s Nursery Ground.

Batting at five, he then made an 18-ball 32, including two fours and two sixes, while sharing a stand of 43 from 26 balls with Gareth Berg.

Afridi will be making his second Hampshire ‘debut’ on Friday night against Middlesex at Uxbridge, the ground on which he took 3-16 in the corresponding fixture in 2011.

Five years ago, Afridi’s first stint with the county ended in a heartbreaking semi-final defeat against Somerset at Edgbaston.

The Pakistan legend was distraught when, after hitting a 42-ball 80, he failed to come off with bat or ball in a Super Over decider.

But he retains happy memories of playing in what was a very different side.

Afridi, who has taken 19 T20 wickets at 12.57 for Hampshire, said: “I’ve got some very good memories of 2011, I really enjoyed the dressing room and the atmosphere that year and it’s good to be back,” he said.

“Corky (Dominic Cork) and [Dimi] Mascarenhas are not here but there are some talented new guys from what I’ve seen in the nets.”

Afridi has already been impressed by his new spin twin.

“I saw the leg spinner from my room,” said Afridi, who watched Mason Crane help Hampshire beat Notts from his hotel balcony this week. “It’s a difficult job but I think he looks good. It will be great fun playing with these guys.”