Mike Hesson: “Hunain is a little bit more advanced and better in terms of [he] has played a lot more domestic cricket. Probably more of a middle over and end bowler at the moment, but can develop into a new ball option”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Islamabad United head coach Mike Hesson firmly believes that up-and-coming Pakistan pace bowler Hunain Shah can “develop into a new ball option.”
Currently, Hesson feels that the 20-year-old, who is the brother of first-choice Pakistan seamer Naseem Shah, is better suited to bowling in the middle and death overs.
However, if Hunain puts the effort in and works on his skills, he can join Naseem as a new ball specialist.
“Hunain is a little bit more advanced and better in terms of [he] has played a lot more domestic cricket. Probably more of a middle over and end bowler at the moment, but can develop into a new ball option,” Hesson told PakPassion.
Hunain recently played for Islamabad in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and played a solid role in helping them win the tournament as he took eight wickets in 10 matches at an average of 28.12 and an economy rate of 9.50.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to 27.
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand T20I Series: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha