Friday, Mar 29 2024 | Time 15:39 Hrs(IST)
image
Sports


Shadab Khan reflects on Pakistan series loss and absence of star duo

Shadab Khan reflects on Pakistan series loss and absence of star duo

Sharjah, March 27 (UNI) Stand-in Pakistan captain Shadab Khan believes plenty of positives will come from his side's series loss to Afghanistan and the consistent efforts of experienced absentees Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be further appreciated when the star duo return to the national setup.
Babar and Rizwan were rested for the ongoing three-game series against Afghanistan in Sharjah as a host of players with less experience and fewer credentials were given the chance to shine in the absence of the ultra-reliable top-order pair.
The results from the opening two games of the series haven't gone to plan as Afghanistan registered a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday to clinch their first series triumph over their Asian rival.
The usual stability of Babar and Rizwan early in Pakistan's innings has been lacking during the first two matches against Afghanistan and Shadab thinks too many people take the performances of the experienced duo for granted, the ICC reported.
"People criticise Babar and Rizwan regardless of whether they perform or not. There is always a sword hanging over them of strike rate. As a nation, we wanted youngsters to come in international cricket, as they were performing in PSL (Pakistan Super League), so we thought they would play
with a better strike rate," Shadab said.
“But finally, our nation will realise that experience matters and our seniors didn’t get the respect they deserved considering their performances. So after this series, they will get a lot more respect from media and the nation," he said.
Pakistan lost three wickets inside the first four overs of Sunday's clash and were always on the backfoot as they mustered a modest total of 130/6 from their 20 overs.
Afghanistan chased down that victory target with a solitary delivery remaining, leaving Shadab to ponder what may have been if his side had been able to post a slightly larger total.
"When you lose three wickets in powerplay, you lose 70 per cent of the games…the young players were nervous," Shadab said.
"They are playing for the first time for Pakistan, but we have to back them," he said.
"Our motive for this series was to check out talented young players and we have to back them in
the future," Shadab added.
UNI BM

More News

La Liga returns with big game in Bernabeu

29 Mar 2024 | 2:49 PM

Madrid, Mar 29 (UNI) La Liga returns to action in Spain following the international break with a round of games that comes a week before another break for the final of the Copa del Rey.

see more..

Argentinos Juniors show title credentials

29 Mar 2024 | 2:35 PM

Buenos Aires, Mar 29 (UNI) Argentinos Juniors rose to the top of Argentina's Primera Division
Group A by recovering from a goal down to win 2-1 at Instituto.

see more..

Australia open to extra spinner in T20 World Cup squad

29 Mar 2024 | 2:30 PM

Sydney, Mar 29 (UNI) Despite missing out from the central contracts announced on Thursday, spinner Ashton Agar is firmly in the mix for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean Islands and USA, according to Australia Men's selection chairman, George Bailey.

see more..
Corey Anderson named in USA’s squad for T20I series against Canada

Corey Anderson named in USA’s squad for T20I series against Canada

29 Mar 2024 | 2:24 PM

Washington, Mar 29 (UNI) Former New Zealand international Corey Anderson has been included in USA’s squad to face Canada, starting on April 7.

see more..

Pakistan confirm schedule for three-match T20I series in Ireland

29 Mar 2024 | 2:22 PM

Islamabad, Mar 29 (UNI) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the dates for the three-match T20I series against Ireland.

see more..
image