Tabraiz Shamsi Archives

‘We’ve finally broken the curse’: South Africa spinner reflects on historic WTC triumph

South Africa left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has reflected on the Proteas’ maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title.

The Proteas lifted their first WTC mace with a five-wicket win, anchored by Aiden Markram’s sensational fourth-innings century.

The opener’s 136 earned him the Player of the Match award, while Kagiso Rabada’s fiery nine-wicket haul proved instrumental in dismantling Australia across both innings.

Held from June 11 to 14, the final of the third WTC cycle saw an extraordinary 2.94 billion minutes of TV watch-time on Star Sports, reaching an audience of 47 million viewers nationwide, a staggering milestone for a Test that didn’t feature the Indian team.

The match also sparked massive engagement online, clocking 225 million digital views, matching the numbers from the previous WTC Final between India and Australia at The Oval in 2023.

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During an interview with a sports platform, Shamsi, who played two Tests for the Rainbow Nation, hailed South Africa’s victory and praised Temba Bavuma’s leadership for ending the title drought.

“Definitely, it was very, very special even for guys who were not part of the triumph. You know, South African cricket had a history of heartbreaks in major tournaments,” he said.

“So, just to watch the guys and finally break the curse was really an emotional moment, and I think it’s the first of many, many trophies that South Africa is going to win in the future,” Tabraiz Shamsi added.

The spinner who was not part of the winning squad hailed Temba Bavuma’s leadership.

“Yes, he is a little man with a big heart, and he is very calm in his demeanour and the way he speaks and communicates, Tabraiz Shamsi said of Bavuma.

Tabraiz Shamsi also eyed the 2026 T20 World Cup, stating that the South Africa team is his priority.

“Obviously, playing for the country will always be a priority, and I am fully available for South Africa,” the 35-year-old stated.

READ: ICC WTC 2025 Final sets new viewership records

South Africa add two key players to squad for tri-nation ODI series

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, added left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi to their squad for the first match of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan.

The tri-nation ODI series will begin today, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

Meanwhile, South Africa will play their first match of the series against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

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South Africa initially announced an inexperienced 12-member squad, featuring six uncapped players, for the first match of the series. However, CSA added Shamsi and Ngidi to the squad to bolster their line-up for the aforementioned fixture.

“Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi have been added to the squad for South Africa’s first match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand on 10 February,” CSA announced.

For the unversed, Ngidi last played an ODI in October last year against Ireland, while Shamsi featured in the ODI series against Pakistan in December last year.

South Africa squad for first ODI of the tri-nation series

Temba Bavuma (c), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi.

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Tabraiz Shamsi names THIS Pakistani spinner as his inspiration

South Africa left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has recently expressed his profound admiration for the former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Shamsi is currently gearing up for the three-match T20I home series against Pakistan, which is set to kick off in Durban tomorrow.

The 34-year-old spinner, in an interview with a local sports website, opened up about the role of spin bowlers in T20 cricket, which is dominated by explosive power-hitters.

“When T20 cricket began, people thought it would mark the decline of spinners, but the opposite happened,” Shamsi said.

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“Slow bowlers have always been pivotal to their teams’ success. While powerplays and field restrictions can sometimes make it seem like the game favours batters, spinners have the ability to turn matches in their teams’ favour with strategic planning.”

Shamsi was then asked about his inspirations as a spinner, and he was quick to highlight Saeed Ajmal as a pivotal figure in his cricketing journey.

“It’s hard to pick one, but Saeed Ajmal was truly inspirational. I studied his bowling closely. His ability to spin the ball both ways was exceptional, and our styles are quite similar,” he revealed.

It’s worth noting that following the first T20I match in Durban tomorrow, the action will shift to Centurion for the second T20I, which is scheduled for December 13. The series will culminate with the final T20I in Johannesburg on December 14.

Squads of Pakistan and South Africa for T20I series

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, and Rassie van der Dussen.

READ: Pakistan squad carries out training session ahead of first South Africa T20I

Ravichandran Ashwin suggests dropping THIS South Africa player

Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that South Africa should consider dropping their star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against India on Saturday.

Ashwin supported pace bowler Ottniel Baartman instead of Shamsi due to Indian batters’ strength against spinners, particularly the sweep shot.

“[Tabraiz] Shamsi is one bowler who will go for sweeps. And India has been sweeping. Adil Rashid, [Liam] Livingstone was slightly quicker through the area. They were able to get 39 runs along with Jordan and Sam Curran,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“I see this as a very important match-up. And hence, I believe South Africa should seriously consider playing [Ottniel] Baartman ahead of Shamsi for the final.”

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Former Indian batter Robbin Uthappa also voiced a similar opinion as Ravichandran Ashwin, stating that he would be happy to see Shamsi playing.

“As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary,” Uthappa said.

“Who would I prefer between these two? Definitely, Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don’t care. If he takes 40-45-50 runs, I am done. Because in India’s current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it’s not a big deal.”

Tabraiz Shamsi has played four matches in the T20 World Cup so far, taking 11 wickets at an average of 9.27, whereas Ottniel Baartman has managed six wickets in five games at 15.66.

READ: Aiden Markram believes South Africa ‘can win from any position’

Imran Tahir replaces Tabraiz Shamsi in Karachi Kings for PSL 9

Karachi Kings have named South Africa’s cricket legend Imran Tahir as the replacement for Tabraiz Shamsi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

Shamsi, who was part of the Kings’ squad for the first seven matches, departs due to his participation in the domestic CSA’s T20 Challenge.

In his four appearances for the Kings, Tabraiz Shamsi picked up three wickets at an average of 52.33 with the best bowling figures of 2/42.

Imran Tahir, who previously played for Karachi Kings in the 2023 season, joins the squad in Islamabad, bringing his wealth of experience to bolster the team’s spin department.

For the unversed, the Kings are currently fifth in the PSL 9 standings with six points in seven matches.

The 2020 champions on Wednesday, got back on the winning track with a statement seven-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators.

Chasing a paltry 119-run target, Karachi Kings completed the pursuit with 4.3 overs to spare when Shoaib Malik smashed Usman Tariq for six.

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Captain Shan Masood fell early in the chase with 13 runs on the board, however, Seifert and James Vince steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership off 39 balls.

Vince scored an anchoring 27 off 28 with the help of four boundaries before he fell to Akeal Hosein.

Seifert switched gears after the wicket and added 44 runs for the second wicket with Malik but could not finish the game as he fell with his team requiring 12 runs.

He top-scored for Karachi Kings with 49 runs from 31 balls, which featured eight boundaries including two sixes.

Malik scored played an anchoring 27-run knock from 20 balls and saw his team chase down the total in the 16th over.

For Quetta Gladiators, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed and Akeal Hosein picked one wicket each.

Earlier, Karachi Kings’ captain Shan Masood opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and the decision bore fruits as they booked the Gladiators on a paltry 118.

Hasan Ali led the bowling attack for Karachi Kings with four wickets while Blessing Muzarabani and Zahid Mahmood bagged two wickets each.

Karachi Kings Squad for PSL 9: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert/Fawad Ali, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Blessing Muzarabani, Zahid Mehmood, Leus De Plooy, Mohammad Rohid.

READ: Phil Simmons ‘hopeful’ for top-four finish with shift in Kings’ momentum

“Not only Babar, we focus on every batter” says Tabraiz Shamsi

Karachi Kings’ left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi praised Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam ahead of the two sides’ clash in the ongoing HBL PSL 9, however, he asserted that his team focuses on every player.

Karachi Kings failed to get the desired start to their HBL PSL 9 campaign, but Shamsi is hopeful that his side will leave the previous match behind and make a resounding comeback against Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow.

“The performance of previous seasons is now a thing of the past, even if you are a champion, you still have to start from zero,” said Tabraiz Shamsi while talking to the media ahead of Karachi Kings’ second match in the HBL PSL 9.

“We have a new management this season and the team environment is good. We are training hard and it will bore fruits in the next games.

Shamsi praised Babar Azam but also mentioned that Zalmi also have other good players and Karachi Kings are focusing on each one of them.

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“Babar Azam is a special player who performs around the world at the highest stage, but he’s not the only batsman in the team.

“There’s not only a single player that we focus on. There are so many other good players in the team.

Shamsi also praised the quality of cricket in the PSL, saying, “It is a top-quality tournament. Pakistan always produces good fast bowlers and PSL is a good platform for young talented players to showcase their skills.”

Lastly, he expressed his excitement to play in front of the Lahore crowd in the upcoming match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi.

“I have played one match for South Africa in Lahore but it was during the COVID-19 days. I am looking forward to entertaining the crowd of Lahore,” Shamsi concluded.

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Tabraiz Shamsi vows to bring ‘A-Game’ for Karachi Kings in PSL 9

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ star wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi shared a video message for his fans and the franchise supporters ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

In a video released on the official social media handles of Karachi Kings, the South African spinner asserted that he will help the 2020 champions lift the silverware again by bringing his best.

“I’m beyond excited to be back for the Kings this year. I know it’s been a bit disappointing that it’s been a while since we won the trophy but I will bring my A-Game and help the team to win this trophy once again,” stated Shamsi.

“It’s gonna be a thrilling season and I can’t wait to see you all soon,” he added.

Excited to bring his A-Game in the #KingsSquad 💙❤️@shamsi90 has a message for all the Karachi Kings fans ahead of #HBLPSLDraft 🤩⤵️#YehHaiKarachi | #KarachiKings | #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/n3MAqxCk6N

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) December 12, 2023

It is worth mentioning here that Tabraiz Shamsi was one of the eight players retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the Players’ Draft for the PSL 9, scheduled on December 13.

Barring him, the Kings retained Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood — who joined the franchise after a successful trade with Multan Sultans — James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq and Muhammad Irfan Khan.

In the previous edition of the PSL, Tabraiz Shamsi represented Karachi Kings in four matches and picked up seven wickets at a brilliant average of just 16 and an economy of 6.43.

The highlight of his stint in the previous edition was his 3/18 against Multan Sultans.

READ: Karachi Kings appoint Phil Simmons as Head Coach for HBL PSL 9

Tabraiz Shamsi defends ‘world-class’ Babar Azam amid criticism

South African left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has defended Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who is often criticised for his performance against left-arm spinners.

Tabraiz Shamsi in a recent interview showered praises on Babar Azam for averaging fifty in international cricket, while being labelled as weak.

“Well if people are saying that he [Babar] is weak and he’s averaging fifty, I wouldn’t like to see him when he’s not weak,” he said.

He called Babar Azam a ‘world-class player’ and stressed the fact that maintaining an average of fifty is not an easy feat in international cricket.

“He’s a world-class player, it’s not a joke averaging fifty in International cricket, so I think those kinds of things that people are saying it’s uncalled for,” Shamsi said.

He further added: “He’s obviously a class player and yeah at any given day any bowler can get any batsman out, and at any given day any batsman can make a hundred, so anybody that is playing at that level is very good, so I think we need to appreciate that.”

Recently, Afghaistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is playing for Jaffna Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), has also voiced the same kind of sentiments for Babar Azam.

“Babar is the favourite player of most of the young fans, even for me. I like the way he bats, everyone likes his way of batting, and I can say he is a legend right now,” he said.

Notably, Babar Azam, who is currently representing Colombo Strikers in the LPL, has been in stellar form in the tournament. He is the highest run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 235 runs in five games, maintaining an impressive average of 47.00 and strike rate of 143.29.

He showed his impressive batting prowess in his innings of 104 off 59 deliveries against Tabraiz Shamsi’s Galle Titans. Babar’s remarkable century was laced with eight fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 176.27.

Meanwhile, Tabraiz Shamsi has managed to pick up five wickets in as many games, at an average of 31.40.

READ: Shakib Al Hasan named Bangladesh captain for Asia Cup, ICC World Cup

Karachi Kings’ Tabraiz Shamsi signs off from PSL 8

ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings’ star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have signed off from the Pakistan Super League season 8 to fulfil his national duty.

South Africa’s Shamsi bid farewell to his inaugural PSL season after Karachi Kings’ narrow defeat against Quetta Gladiators on Monday. Shamsi is set to leave for his home country to play three-match T20I series against West Indies, later this month.

The left-arm spinner on PSL debut played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph over the then table-toppers Multan Sultans, picking up three wickets.

Shamsi left an impact with his four-match stint for the Kings in PSL 8 as he picked up seven wickets at an average of just 14.71.

Taking to Twitter, the South African spinner thanked his franchise before signing off from the ongoing extravaganza to fulfil his national duty.

“Thanks a lot to [Karachi Kings] for having me as part of the squad. I had a great first experience of the [PSL 8],” wrote Shamsi.

Thanks a lot to @KarachiKingsARY for having me as part of the squad. I had a great first experience of the @thePSLt20

Time to head back home for country duty 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/z2iIeI6Rwu

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) March 7, 2023

It is worth mentioning that ahead of their home T20I series against West Indies, Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday named a strong 15-member squad, led by Aiden Markram.

READ: Saim, Babar star as Zalmi set Qalandars to chase 208

Karachi Kings celebrate Tabraiz Shamsi’s birthday ahead of Qalandars clash

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) most-followed franchise Karachi Kings celebrated their spinner Tabraiz Shamsi’s birthday ahead of their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.

Ahead of their fourth fixture of this year’s PSL 8, the Kings threw a birthday party for their spin sensation Shamsi, who turned 33 today.

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

“Happy Birthday, Tabraiz Shamsi!” wrote Kings.

“Wishing you a year filled with more memorable wickets, amazing performances and lots of celebrations,” the caption added.

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙏𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙯 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙨𝙞! 🎉🎂

Wishing you a year filled with more memorable wickets, amazing performances and lots of celebrations. 🙌#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/qvDSnqSkxp

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 19, 2023

It is pertinent to mention that the former PSL champions Kings will lock horns with defending champions Qalandars in the much-hyped clash of the PSL 8 today at National Bank Cricket Arena here and will be eyeing to claim their first triumph in the ongoing extravaganza.

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