He had exploded on the cricket world as an overgrown 16-year-old, armed with a flashy smile and a fiery blade. He slammed international cricket's fastest century - off 37 deliveries - and left you wondering if that was even possible.
He tore into attacks with some stunning strokeplay, terrorising bowling attacks with his murderous flick over mid-wicket - a shot that invariably finished with his tongue sticking out, planted firmly on his left leg and his right pointing towards the square - leg umpire.
Over the last few years though, that Afridi had disappeared, gone either into hiding or eaten up by his own brash flamboyance. There were times when he'd turn up and remind people of the past with quickfire 30s, but innings of sustained aggression were few and far between. Inzamam-ul Haq didn't know what to do with him, occasionally shunting him up the order in hope, and quickly back down in frustration; you were more likely, increasingly, to get a first - ball duck than a match-winning 50.
His bowling, at the same time, had prospered as he added variations of pace and spin to the control he already had over his leg-breaks. But good as he got, Afridi would always be incomplete as long he batted like a headless chicken. In two matches here, over 74 deliveries, he's announced his return as a batsman. Against South Africa in the semi-final, he got a 34-ball 51 and was the only batsman who looked comfortable on a turning Trent Bridge pitch.
In the final at Lord's he kept his head against the Lankan attack - arguably the most well-rounded in international cricket. He shepherded the chase with such confidence that even when the difference between the runs required and deliveries left started heading into an uncomfortable territory, you knew there would only be one winner on the day. He finished with 54 unbeaten runs off 40 deliveries and stood with his arms raised to the skies after completing the single that took them past Lanka's total and to the trophy.
Before these two knocks, Afridi had two half-centuries in two years. Two in a row was a pleasant surprise for most Pakistan fans. Both South Africa and Sri Lanka had been unbeaten right through the tournament. Both were beaten by one man's explosive brilliance. "He was superb. I was surprised by how many singles he was taking," Younus said after the game. "He is a special player. I've never been bothered by his lack of batting form."
Yet, he backed him always, a fact seconded by Afridi himself. "A player like me needs a captain like Younus," Afridi had said after the semi-final. "I have to thank him for my success."
On the eve of this match, Sangakkara had spoken of how Afridi could hurt them. "Afridi is a guy who can take the game away from you in a few overs but we can't really get caught up with just one player. We have to make a few plans for him and see how we can get him out early. Even if he stays there for a longer period, we have to minimise the damage."
They tried on Sunday, but Afridi was in the zone. Is this the start of his second innings? Is this where he starts terrorising bowling attacks again? Don't bet on it; but don't take your eyes off either.
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