Mohammad Kaif: “Naseem Shah is a world-class bowler. I saw him bowling in the Asia Cup, he was bowling like Mohammed Shami”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has lavished praise on “world-class” Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah, saying he bowled like India speedster Mohammed Shami.
Kaif recalled watching the 21-year-old in action during the 2023 Asia Cup, where he troubled batsmen with his impeccable lines and lengths, along with his swing.
The 43-year-old admitted that Naseem’s bowling in that tournament reminded him so much of Shami, who has been one of India’s go-to pace bowlers.
“Naseem Shah is a world-class bowler. I saw him bowling in the Asia Cup, he was bowling like Mohammed Shami,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Farid Khan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Naseem recently featured in Pakistan’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand and took two wickets in three games at an average of 35.50 and an economy rate of 10.14.
He then proceeded to claim two wickets in two T20Is against Ireland at an average of 36.50 and an economy rate of 9.12.
Next up for Pakistan will be four T20Is against England from May 22 to May 30.
Following this, they will take part in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be played in the West Indies and United States of America from June 1 to 29.
Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup game will be against the United States of America in Dallas on June 6.
Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20I Series: Babar Azam (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan