With Pakistan set to play against the Netherlands in the second match of the World Cup 2023, former Pakistan Shoaib Malik opens on the importance of Saud Shakeel’s inclusion in playing 11.
Shoaib Malik on Shakeel’s Inclusion in Playing 11
Babar Azam-led Pakistan is scheduled to play in the second match of the World Cup 2023 on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Former Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has shared his thoughts on the composition of the playing 11 for the World Cup 2023. He strongly suggests the inclusion of the young batter Saud Shakeel for his exceptional batting technique.
The left-handed batsman made his debut on ODI in 2021 and played 6 ODI matches in his career. He has a highest score of 56 with an average of 19.0. He was recalled for the ODI series against Afghanistan in August 2023. He was also part of the squad that participated in the Asia Cup 2023.
He scored an impressive 75 runs on 53 balls in the first Warmup match against New Zealand. While speaking at the media conference, Shoaib Malik emphasized the importance of Saud Shakeel in the middle-order lineup after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“I always thought Saud Shakeel should be mandatory in the Pakistan Cricket Team. A batter with a strong technique like Saud plays an important role after Babar Azam and M Rizwan,” Malik said.
The former cricketer stressed the importance of supporting the Skipper Babar Azam to achieve greater results in the World Cup. He discussed the optimism of the team’s performance under the leadership of Babar Azam.
“Babar Azam has been doing captaincy of Pakistan, and this is the time to support him. The media also has to play an important role in supporting Babar in the World Cup. I’m very much hopeful for the good performance of the Pakistan Cricket Team and the captaincy of Babar in the World Cup,” he added.
Shoaib Malik also discussed on the Pakistan trio Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
“Naseem, Shaheen [Shah], and Haris [Rauf] became a strong trio. Unfortunately, Naseem got injured, but the PCB Selection Committee should have given occasional opportunities to other bowlers as well previously,” he concluded.
Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. He underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined from action for three months.
