Shadab Khan: “He didn’t perform that much in previous years, everyone criticised him so I’m very happy for him. Because he’s a match-winner, you need to give him love and respect, and give him an atmosphere where he feels comfortable”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has thrown his support behind batsman Haider Ali, saying he is a “match-winner” even though he hasn’t performed “that much in previous years.”
Haider has experienced a rapid fall from stardom as he was once seen as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. After starting his international career with a bang, he failed to maintain any consistency and subsequently lost his place in the team.
His downfall continued and reached a point where he wasn’t drafted by any team for the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Ultimately, the 23-year-old from Attock was selected by Islamabad United in the replacement draft and went on to feature in seven matches for them in PSL 9, where he made 103 runs at an average of 25.75 and a strike-rate of 163.49.
His best knock of the tournament – 52 not out – came at a crucial time as it helped Islamabad beat the Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2 and advance to the final, where they ended up defeating the Multan Sultans by two wickets.
“I’m very happy for Haider Ali because he’s a very nice bloke. He didn’t perform that much in previous years, everyone criticised him so I’m very happy for him. Because he’s a match-winner, you need to give him love and respect, and give him an atmosphere where he feels comfortable,” Shadab, who captained Islamabad, was quoted as saying by respected journalist Saj Sadiq on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Shadab was brilliant throughout PSL 9 as he took 14 wickets in 12 games at an average of 26.85 and an economy rate of 8.54.
He also accumulated 305 runs, which included three fifties, at an average of 30.50 and a strike-rate of 142.52.
The Mianwali native is currently playing for Pakistan in their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, where he has taken two wickets in three matches at an average of 19.50 and an economy rate of 6.50.
He has also made his presence felt with the bat, particularly in the third T20I, where he smashed 41 runs off 20 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes.
The series is currently tied at 1-1 ahead of the fourth T20I, which will take place on April 25 in Lahore.
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
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