Despite bowling excellently, Shadab is failing to pick up wickets: Babar Azam

A dramatic Super 4 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a devastating loss for Pakistan, ruining Pakistan’s hopes of winning the 2023 Asia Cup. The game had some outstanding performances as well as a few unexpected twists, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Mohammad Rizwan led the assault with a stunning unbeaten 86 off 73 as Pakistan managed to set a total of 252/7 in their allotted 42 overs. At the top of the sequence, Abdullah Shafique also contributed significantly, scoring 52 out of 69. Matheesha Pathirana and Pramod Madushan of Sri Lanka, who picked up important dismissals with Pathirana taking three, proved to be strong opponents.

Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 49 off 47 and Kusal Mendis’ 91 off 87 helped Sri Lanka reach the target of 252 runs, which had been amended due to the DLS technique, in 42 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan both provided three and two wickets.

The great pacer for Pakistan, Shadab Khan, battling to find his form was one of the game’s standout moments. Shadab faced a wicket drought in the Super 4 stage despite a solid start to the campaign, managing to secure only two wickets. Shadab’s efforts were acknowledged by Pakistani captain Babar Azam.

Shadab is bowling exceptionally effectively, but he is yet to record a wicket.

Thus, you may sense that he is not bowling well. Although he is bowling brilliantly, he is sadly not getting any wickets. Nawaz and Shadab, he is one of your greatest bowlers,” Babar added.

Azam also praised Zaman Khan for his perseverance and self-assurance in the face of adversity. He made a point of distinguishing between domestic and international cricket and the pressures involved in the latter.

Zaman Khan has already displayed character and success in the PSL, including in two PSL finals where he bowled in the final over. He therefore exudes complete confidence, but an international game is a different matter, he continued.