Pakistan cricket team’s all-rounder Shadab Khan expressed confidence in the team’s composition and its prospects at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 to be held in the West Indies and the USA.
Speaking during a media session on the sidelines of a practice at Gaddafi Stadium, Shadab shared his optimism and his role within the squad.
The Babar Azam-led team is currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with the fourth match scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The series stands at 1-1, following a washout due to heavy rain in Rawalpindi.
Shadab, known for his aggressive playstyle, emphasized the importance of maintaining a high strike rate in T20 cricket. “Strike rate is very crucial in the T20 format. The more boundaries you hit, the higher your chances of winning,” he said. This approach, according to Shadab, will be vital for Pakistan to prevail over strong teams.
Responding to queries about his role and the team strategy, Shadab expressed satisfaction with how roles were assigned within the team, emphasizing that every player is clear about what is expected of them. He also commented on the recent third T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi, dismissing any suggestion of misjudgment in reading the pitch, which is known for favoring high scores. “New Zealand played good cricket that night,” he acknowledged.
Addressing the loss in the third T20I, Shadab mentioned that defeats can happen on any given day and that no team should be underestimated based on experience or reputation alone. “Though the New Zealand team visiting might lack big names, many of these players are the future stars of international cricket,” he noted.
The discussion also touched on the experimentation within the team and the integration of younger players. Shadab pointed out the dual nature of public opinion, where there are calls for including fresh talent, yet there is also criticism when the team experiments. He stressed the importance of giving players a consistent run to build confidence and cohesion ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“Every management has its own strategy and vision. We are aligning with the team management’s plans and are focused on preparing rigorously for the World Cup,” he added.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Shadab’s remarks reflect a blend of realistic assessment and hopeful anticipation. His leadership on and off the field, especially in guiding younger teammates and embracing a pivotal role in strategy execution, will be crucial as Pakistan aims to clinch the title in the fiercely competitive tournament.
As the series against New Zealand progresses, all eyes will be on how the team fine-tunes its tactics and adapts to challenges, setting the stage for their World Cup campaign later this year.
