Tag: Naseem Shah

Pakistan’s young fast bowler Naseem Shah made Indian batters dance to his tunes as he exhibited a brilliant display of swing bowling in the high-octane Asia Cup 2023 clash between the arch-rivals on Saturday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistani pace bowlers booked India on 266 in the first innings after Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s half-centuries before persistent rain denied the second innings’ play, hence, washing out the match between India and Pakistan.

Shaheen Afridi led the bowling charts in the first innings of PAK vs IND with figures of 4-35, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf shared three wickets each.

Naseem Shah talked to the media after the match and shared his experience of playing his first ODI game against India. Naseem Shah has previously faced India in three T20i games during last year’s Asia Cup which was played in T20i format and T20I World Cup.

“It was a new experience playing an ODI against India, thank God I bowled well,” Naseem Shah said. “ODI is a different format and it requires patience,”

He also shed light on his bowling plan against the Indian batting line-up.

“The bowling was swinging at the start, so I was trying to bowl at the right areas,” he added. “The plan was to not let the Indian batters score runs freely, so they would give wickets,”

Naseem also appreciated his fellow pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who bowled brilliantly to bowl India out yesterday.

“Shaheen Afridi bowled well in the beginning, while Haris Roof came in the middle and bowled very well,” said Naseem Shah.

While talking about the upcoming Asia Cup Super-Four stage match against either Bangladesh or Afghanistan on September 6 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Naseem Shah expressed his wish to enjoy and perform well at Lahore.

“As a child, I have played a lot of cricket in Lahore as a kid and I will try to enjoy, and perform well to win the match there,” he concluded.

Pakistan secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage as they finished their group-stage campaign with three points in two matches after a dominant victory over Nepal and a washed-out game against arch-rivals India yesterday.

Meanwhile, India next face Nepal on September 4 in a bid to join Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s.

READ: Pakistan team to reach Lahore today for Asia Cup Super Four match

Young Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah reacted to former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed’s statement, who rated Zaman Khan higher than him in terms of their white-ball cricket skills.

Naseem Shah, in an interview with a local news outlet, was asked to offer his thoughts on Aaqib Javed’s recent statement regarding him and Zaman.

The right-arm pacer, in response, humbly stated that he never claimed that he is better than any bowler and his primary focus is to become a good bowler despite comparing himself with others.

“Have I ever said that I am a good bowler or am I better than someone?” Naseem said while talking to a local YouTube channel.

“Look, everyone is better than me, I have never put an emphasis that I have to become better in comparison to others, I have always tried to win matches for my side and get wickets for my side. I have always tried to become a better bowler instead of comparing myself to others,” he added.

While talking to the media in Lahore, last week, Aaqib Javed claimed that Zaman Khan’s skill to bowl in the final phase of the innings is second to none, and he is one of the best death-overs specialist bowlers in the world right now.

“In white-ball, I still believe Zaman Khan’s skills are above all. We have recently seen him in the Canada league, no bowler is near to him when it comes to bowling in death overs,” he said.

Aaqib Javed then rated Zaman higher than Naseem Shah, who is the first-choice bowler for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.

“I rate him more than even Naseem. Your first three choices in white-ball cricket must be Shaheen, Haris, and Zaman, you can then go down to Naseem Shah,” he added.

READ: Southee takes five as New Zealand edge spirited UAE

Former test cricketer Aaqib Javed has rated Zaman Khan ‘higher than’ Naseem Shah in white-ball cricket, voicing his displeasure over the former missing out on a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup.

Aaqib Javed, while talking to media in Lahore on Wednesday, claimed that Zaman Khan’s skill to bowl in the final phase of the innings is second to none, and he is one of the best death-overs specialist bowlers in the world right now.

“In white-ball, I still believe Zaman Khan’s skills are above all. We have recently seen him in the Canada league, no bowler is near to him when it comes to bowling in death overs,” he said.

Aaqib Javed then rated Zaman higher than Naseem Shah, who is the first-choice bowler for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.

“I rate him more than even Naseem. Your first three choices in white-ball cricket must be Shaheen, Haris, and Zaman, you can then go down to Naseem Shah,” he added.

Aaqib Javed then humorously acknowledged the fact that the trio he named belongs to Lahore Qalandars, the PSL team Aaqib is associated with as the director and head Coach.

“You’ll say that I’m only rooting for the bowlers from Lahore Qalandars [laughs]. But Shaheen, Haris and Zaman, they should be your bowlers in white-ball cricket” he added.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the head of the national men’s selection committee, announced the squads on Wednesday in a press conference. Responding to a question about the exclusion of Zaman Khan, the former captain said, “Zaman Khan has done well with the white ball but he lacks experience in 50-over games,”

He further added, “He does have the potential as we have seen in T20 games where he has performed well. So he will become a good asset for Pakistan if he plays more first-class games.”

Zaman Khan, recently played for Toronto Nationals in the recently concluded GT20 Canada, where he picked up seven wickets, while Naseem Shah, playing for Colombo Strikers is the joint-leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL).

READ: Inzamam-ul-Haq opens up on Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion in Asia Cup squad

Rahmanullah Gurbaz called Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah “a close friend” after the duo was involved in a heated exchange during the first game of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) between Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers.

Naseem Shah picked the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz after being hit for six and gave the Afghan batter an aggressive sendoff. Gurbaz walked to the pavilion without giving any response to the bowler.

However, despite the heated altercation with Naseem Shah, Gurbaz called him ‘a close friend’.

“Naseem Shah is a close friend, we have known each other for a long time as we both belong to the Pashtun community so it’s nothing like that,” he said.

“These things are part of the game; if you hit a six against a bowler and he gets you out, he might give a reaction, but people take things out of proportion.”

The situation between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Naseem Shah escalated quickly as fans took things out of proportion on social media creating a buzz.

“We have a very good relationship between us, it is just a healthy banter. Sometimes I hit him, sometimes he gets me out,” Gurbaz shared.

He also praised Naseem Shah highly as a bowler, “Naseem is a very good bowler, there is no doubt about his skills, and he will get better with time.”

Naseem Shah also echoed the same sentiments as they met after the game and engaged in a friendly conversation.

“Gurbaz is a good friend of mine. We had a friendly banter and challenged each other just as friends would. He hit me a six, and subsequently, I told him that I took his wicket for that six. I was also smiling during the banter,” he said.

He also stressed that people like to hyperbolize things in the social media era, “However, as we all know, these are social media times – people exaggerate and make things up in whatever way they want. But this is what happens in cricket. We both met afterwards pleasantly, talked to each other, and we are good friends,”

“Things look different on TV when you get closer to each other. So it was more like you are playing single wicket with friends. There’s no such concept of friendship in cricket; however, both of us are good friends.” he further added.

Naseem Shah is representing Colombo Strikers, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz is playing for Jaffna Kings in the LPL. Naseem Shah is the joint-leading wicket-taker with eight wickets and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scored 131 runs at a strike rate of 132.32.

READ: Pakistan’s squad for Afghanistan ODIs, Asia Cup 2023 unveiled

COLOMBO: Babar Azam’s half-century followed by Naseem Shah’s 2/19 led Colombo Strikers to a comfortable 27-run victory over B-Love Kandy in the third match of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The victory marked the Colombo Strikers’ first in this edition of the LPL as they recovered from a 21-run defeat in the opening match against defending champions Jaffna Kings.

Opting to bat first, the home side accumulated 157/6 in the allotted 20 overs at the back of an anchoring half-century by Babar Azam.

The Strikers got off to a shaky start to their innings as they lost two wickets inside the powerplay with just 33 runs on the board.

Star batter Babar Azam batted sensibly and knitted an anchoring partnership with Nuwanidu Fernando for the third wicket.

The pair added 60 runs to the total but conceded 55 deliveries in the process and Fernando, consequently, made a desperate effort to go big but ended up handing a straightforward catch to Mohammad Hasnain.

READ: Hridoy-led Jaffna Kings thump Colombo Strikers in LPL opener

He remained the notable run-getter for the Strikers with 28 off 31 deliveries, hitting two boundaries and a six.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam stood his ground firm and stitched Dhananjaya Lakshan (12) before finally perishing in the penultimate over.

He top-scored for the Strikers with a 52-ball 59 which included four boundaries and a six.

Isuru Udana led the bowling attack for the B-Love Kandy with 3/39, followed by Mohammad Hasnain’s 2/27.

In response, B-Love Kandy’s batting lineup failed against a disciplined Strikers’ bowling attack and could only raise 130/8.

The visitors after a dismal start, lost wickets at regular intervals which eventually halted the flow of runs.

Angelo Mathews (25 off 22) remained the top-scorer for B-Love Kandy amid their dismal show with the bat, followed by Sarfaraz Ahmed, who could score an unbeaten 16 from 21 deliveries.

Their maiden victory in this year’s LPL lifted Colombo Strikers to claim the second position in the points table while B-Love Kandy sank to the bottom.

ALSO READ: Pakistan to play ODI series against Afghanistan ahead of Asia Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan’s young speedster Naseem Shah asserted that the preparations for the upcoming two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka are heading in the right direction.

Naseem Shah, in an interview with a local news outlet, commented on the challenging conditions on offer in Sri Lanka but emphasized the need to be ready for the challenge as a professional cricketer.

“Our preparations are heading in the right direction for Sri Lanka. It is a challenge to play in the hot weather but as professionals we need to be ready for it,” said Naseem Shah on the sidelines of the specialised camp for the pacers.

Naseem Shah also commented on the importance of Test cricket and stressed that it helps a cricketer to improve in the limited-over formats as well.

“Test cricket tests you in all formats of the game and it shows your fitness and skills. Bowling long spells in Test cricket helps you in the limited-overs formats,” Naseem said.

“I try to enjoy and perform well in all three formats of the game. A player needs to do well in all three formats in order to be considered among the best players in the world,” he added.

Naseem Shah then responded to a query regarding his experience of playing in English conditions during his brief stint for Leicestershire in the T20 Blast and expressed his hope that it would help him in future.

“It was a good experience of playing in English conditions. I’m hopeful that it will help me in the future,” he said.

It is worth mentioning here that Naseem Shah was named among Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 28.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood

Itinerary of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka:

9 July – Pakistan land in Colombo
11 and 12 July – Warm-up game

16-20 July – First Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium
24-28 July – Second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo

READ: Schedule, venues for Pakistan Test tour of Sri Lanka unveiled

Pakistan star pacer Naseem Shah has been signed by Leicestershire County Cricket Club to play initial matches of the forthcoming T20 Blast season. 

Taking to Twitter, the club announced the recruitment of the right-arm speedster on a short-term contract for the start of the Vitality Blast.

👋 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬, @iNaseemShah.

We are excited to announce the signing of Pakistan international Naseem Shah on a short-term deal for the start of the Vitality Blast. 🇵🇰🚀

Full story. 👇

🦊#FoxesUnleashed

— Leicestershire CCC 🦊 (@leicsccc) May 23, 2023

Naseem will act as cover for Afghanistan international Naveen-ul-Haq, who is currently busy with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

Naseem was due to arrive in England on Tuesday and be available for Leicestershire’s opening game against Lancashire on Thursday.

“Having Naveen in the IPL play-offs meant we had to make a quick call and we are extremely excited to have secured someone of Naseem’s calibre,” said Leicestershire Director of Cricket Claude Henderson.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s young speedster Naseem Shah’s brilliant spell against New Zealand in the first PAK vs NZ ODI here on Thursday, propelled him to a unique ODI world record.

Naseem Shah proved his mettle by bowling an astonishing spell in the first PAK vs NZ ODI against New Zealand; taking two wickets for just 29 runs in his ten-over spell and toppling Matt Henry’s long-standing record of taking 19 wickets in the first six matches.

On target ⚡@iNaseemShah was accurate in his impressive spell upfront 💫#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/SxhMhtQAZM

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2023

The 19-year-old set a new record by taking 20 wickets in the first six ODIs of his career. He also holds the record for most wickets in the first four and five ODIs by leaving behind Imran Tahir, Ryan Harris, Zahoor Khan and Ibadat Hussain.

The record-breaking performance by Naseem earned him high praise from cricket fans and experts around the world. His’s phenomenal bowling performance restricted New Zealand to 288 runs despite Daryl Mitchell’s century.

Mitchell put on a scintillating show with the bat as he fought hard for his second ODI century. He top-scored for New Zealand with his career-best 113 in 115 balls, laced up with 11 boundaries and a six.

After Naseem’s brilliance, it was Fakhar Zaman’s show, who scored his second-consecutive century against New Zealand and powered the home side to a resounding five-wicket victory over the touring side.

The left-handed batter topped the scoring chart for Pakistan with a monumental 117-run knock in just 113 deliveries which featured 13 boundaries and a six.

His opening partner Imam-ul-Haq also played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph with his calculated 60-run knock and laid a solid foundation by stitching a magnificent 124-run partnership with Fakhar.

READ: Fakhar trumps Mitchell’s ton as Pakistan down New Zealand 

MULTAN: Quetta Gladiators squad celebrated the birthday of their young pacer Naseem Shah ahead of their first Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight clash against Multan Sultans.

Ahead of their first fixture of this year’s PSL 8, the Gladiators threw a birthday party for their pace sensation Naseem, who turned 20 today.

Taking to Twitter, the Gladiators shared footage of all squad members participating in the pacer’s birthday celebration.

“Join us in the birthday celebration of our [star] Gladiator [Naseem Shah],” wrote Gladiators.

Join us in the birthday celebration of our 🌟 Gladiator @iNaseemShah 🥳#PurpleForce #ShaanePakistan #WeTheGladiators pic.twitter.com/xpzFCiM7FJ

— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) February 15, 2023

Notably, Naseem has been part of the Gladiators since 2020 and will continue to represent the former champions in this season. The right-arm pacer represented the Gladiators in 19 matches and picked up 19 wickets including a five-wicket haul against Karachi Kings in PSL 7.

READ: Overseas stars join Quetta Gladiators ahead of first clash against Sultans

QUETTA: The Balochistan Police on Saturday appointed the right-arm pacer Naseem Shah as the honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

According to the details, a ceremony was held here at the IG office to confer the rank of DSP to the right-arm young pacer.

The IG Balochistan Police Abdul Khaliq Sheikh and Additional Chief Secretary Interior Zahid Saleem attended the ceremony and presented the pacer with stars on his uniform.

It is pertinent to mention that Naseem represented Pakistan in 15 Tests, five ODIs and 16 T20Is and picked up 74 wickets thus far in his budding international career.

The right-arm pacer will represent Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled to commence on February 13.

Meanwhile, another Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was honoured by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police as he was appointed as the ambassador of goodwill in July 2022.

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