Abdul Samad Archives

Abdul Samad opens up after powering Pakistan Shaheens to victory

DARWIN: Pakistan Shaheens middle-order batter Abdul Samad has shared his thoughts after a sublime knock against Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series here on Monday at the TIO Stadium.

Pakistan Shaheens recovered from a shaky start to post 178-5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Samad’s heroics.

Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on a scintillating 110 off 63 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.

In reply, the Renegades were bundled out for 105 in the final over, chasing a 179-run target.

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For the Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat led the attack with three wickets while Faisal Akram picked up two.

This result marked the Renegades Academy’s first defeat in the Top End T20 Series, while Pakistan Shaheens secured their second win in three matches.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Abdul Samad shed light on his knock in challenging circumstances.

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“The conditions were not favorable to bat, and I only tried to bat 20 overs and stay in the middle,” he said.

The right-handed batter revealed his mindset, stating that his goal was to take the team’s total above 150 runs.

“When I was batting, I tried to take the team score above 150, which we believed we could defend,” said Samad.

The 27-year-old highlighted that the Pakistan Shaheens team is very balanced while acknowledging the crowd for their support.

“Our team is very balanced and we know our strengths, especially bowling. This was one of my best knocks, and the crowd here supported us really well,” he concluded.

READ: Ton-up Abdul Samad powers Pakistan Shaheens to victory over Melbourne Renegades

Ton-up Abdul Samad powers Pakistan Shaheens to victory over Melbourne Renegades

DARWIN: Abdul Samad produced a blistering unbeaten century to guide Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding victory over Melbourne Renegades Academy in the Top End T20 Series at the TIO Stadium on Monday.

Set a target of 179, the Renegades were bundled out for 105 in the final over.

Apart from opener Josh Brown, who made 36 off 30 balls, none of the top-order batters managed to reach double figures.

The side crumbled to 66-8 inside 13 overs before tailenders Xavier Crone (11), Callum Stow (15), and Michael Archer (14*) showed some resistance to take the total past 100.

For the Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat led the attack with three wickets while Faisal Akram picked up two.

Watch Top End T20 Series Live on ARY ZAP

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens recovered from a shaky start to post 178-5 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Samad’s heroics.

The innings began in disastrous fashion as openers Yasir Khan and Khawaja Nafay departed without scoring, leaving the side struggling at 2-2 inside two overs.

Mohammad Faiq (21 off 18) and Abdul Samad added 32 runs to steady the innings, but wickets continued to fall, with the Shaheens slipping to 55-4 by the halfway stage.

From there, Samad took charge and reached his half-century with calculated strokeplay before cutting loose in the latter stages.

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The middle-order batter added 109 runs for the fifth wicket with skipper Irfan Khan (23), a stand that turned the innings around.

Samad remained unbeaten on a scintillating 110 off 63 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.

Mohammad Wasim Jr. chipped in with two not out as the Shaheens closed on 178-5. For the Renegades, five different bowlers shared a wicket each.

This result marked the Renegades Academy’s first defeat in the Top End T20 Series, while Pakistan Shaheens secured their second win in three matches.

READ: Former all-rounder calls for India to skip Pakistan clash at Asia Cup 2025

Babar Azam wants THESE two Peshawar Zalmi stars in Pakistan’s future plans

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has thrown his weight behind two of Peshawar Zalmi’s emerging talents, Abdul Samad and Ali Raza, as potential future prospects for the national side.

Speaking on the Zalmi TV podcast, Babar was asked to name young players he believes are capable of graduating to the international stage.

Without hesitation, the Peshawar Zalmi captain highlighted Samad and Raza, calling them “our young blood.”

“Abdul Samad is still new and has a lot of room to grow,” Babar said, adding that the batter needs to fine-tune his game to meet the demands of international cricket. “You have to be ready for that level.”

Babar Azam reserved high praise for teenage pacer Ali Raza, calling him a “special talent” who has what it takes to shine for Pakistan in the near future.

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“He [Ali Raza] is a special talent and capable of playing at the international level,” he added.

“But he needs time, and with gradual development, he will be ready for international cricket.”

Samad, 27, made his T20I debut against New Zealand in the five-match series held in April.

While he showed glimpses of promise, he struggled for consistency, scoring 66 runs in five matches with a top score of 44. His series strike rate of 113.79 and average of 16.50 highlight the adjustment phase he’s currently going through.

Meanwhile, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Samad has scored 44 runs at a strike rate of 200 in four matches for Peshawar Zalmi.

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On the other hand, 17-year-old Ali Raza has emerged as one of the breakout performers of PSL 10.

The young right-arm quick has claimed nine wickets in seven matches, maintaining a healthy average of 24.11 and an economy rate of 8.03, showcasing both wicket-taking ability and control.

Meanwhile, Zalmi are set to resume their PSL 10 campaign later today with a high-voltage clash against Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The league had been briefly suspended last week amid rising cross-border tensions with India, but normal service has now resumed.

READ: PSL 10 set to resume with musical tribute to armed forces

Abdul Samad stresses ‘improvement’ after Pakistan’s defeat in fourth T20I

Mount Maunganui: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Abdul Samad emphasized the importance of learning and committed to improving as a team after suffering a significant 115-run defeat in the fourth T20I against New Zealand here on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under the pressure, getting bowled out for only 105 runs.

Pakistan team encountered early difficulties, losing their top three batters within just two overs. Openers Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) were dismissed in quick succession.

After this shaky start, the Pakistan team struggled to recover in their chase against New Zealand.

Their vice-captain, Shadab Khan, fell for a mere one run in the fourth over, leaving the team in deep trouble with a score of 26-4 after just 4.1 overs.

The Men in Green lost wickets regularly against a well-disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were ultimately bowled out for a modest total in 16.2 overs.

Abdul Samad, who was the only bright spot with 44 off 30 deliveries in an otherwise poor batting performance, commented on the change in conditions after the first innings.

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“We noticed things were different here as we did not get much help while bowling first; no swing or seam but when we were batting, things became evidently different. So, that was also a part of our learning stage,” said Samad during the post-match press conference.

The 28-year-old stated that everybody knew the conditions were unfavorable for them.

Abdul Samad explained that the rationale behind selecting a young team for the tour was to test their potential, hoping to deliver good results in the future.

“Everybody knows that the conditions here are not favorable for us. But the idea of selecting a team young team for this tour is to test the talent. It was a challenge for us [youngsters] and we accepted it, ” he remarked.

“By the will of Almighty Allah, there will be more improvement in the upcoming matches. We are improving day by day.”

“So we are developing into a team and will deliver good results in the future,” he concluded.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Virender Sehwag over bragging about 300-run knock

Abdul Samad eyes power-hitting role ahead of New Zealand tour

Pakistan’s emerging batter Abdul Samad aims to fill the country’s power-hitting void ahead of the New Zealand tour, set to commence on 16 March in Christchurch.

Samad, who will represent Pakistan for the first time, expressed his excitement, calling it a huge honor.

“Playing for Pakistan is a big deal for everyone, and for me, it’s a huge honour,” the right-hander remarked.

“The management has told me to play my natural game, regardless of my batting position.”

He also discussed his playing idols and shared insights about power hitting.

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“When I started cricket, I followed Misbah-ul-Haq. Now, I try to play like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell,” he said.

“Our team lacks power-hitters, so I will try to fill that gap,” said Samad.

The 27-year-old has played 17 T20 matches. His batting is characterized by powerful hitting and strike rate.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: Mohammad Ali banks on PSL, BPL experience ahead of New Zealand tour

Mohammad Ali banks on PSL, BPL experience ahead of New Zealand tour

Pakistan’s T20 cricketer Mohammad Ali highlighted the team’s preparation and personal approach ahead of the New Zealand tour, set to commence on 16 March in Christchurch.

While speaking to the media, Ali stated that the team has prepared well for the New Zealand tour.

“We have prepared well for the New Zealand series. New Zealand is tough opponent in their home conditions,” he remarked.

“We are also focusing on adapting to their conditions,” he said.

Mohammad Ali further emphasized that he does not compete with anyone and that his goal is to fulfill whatever role I am assigned.

“I am not competing with anyone. My goal is to fulfill whatever role I am assigned,” stated Ali.

The bowler emphasized his experience playing on various pitches in domestic cricket and managing pressure effectively.

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“I have performed well in PSL and BPL, handling pressure effectively,” he concluded.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

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