‘Opportunity for new players to show talent’ Babar on Shaheen’s absence

ROTTERDAM: Pakistan All-Forms Captain Babar Azam urged the team’s new players to show their talent and deliver performances in the absence of the team’s main striker Shaheen Shah Afridi from the 2022 Asian Cup and the upcoming series in home T20I v England.

“Shaheen will definitely be missed for his outstanding performances and contributions to the team, but it is an opportunity for newcomers to showcase their skills and talent,” Babar said.

Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Cup as he has been recovering from a knee ligament injury.

Fast pitcher Mohammad Hasnain will replace Pacemaker’s left arm for the tournament.

Commenting on the team’s performance after they whitewashed the Netherlands in the recently concluded three-match ODI series, the captain stated that as captain his plan was to bat in difficult conditions and then the bowlers defend the goal.

“The wicket was tough from the start and the bowlers were helped due to the wet and seam conditions, but our batsmen did well,” he said.

Babar praised young pacemaker Naseem Shah for his sensational bowling as he grabbed five wickets and played a pivotal role in the team’s victory in the final match.

“I give 100 percent credit to the fast bowlers, spinners and fielders for the win, especially the way Naseem Shah bowled with the new ball and the way he finished in the death overs, he was outstanding,” he added.

Furthermore, the captain praised the Netherlands team and its cricket board and expressed his thanks to the fans for coming in large numbers from different countries and showing their support for the team.

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