PC: google
Spin all-rounder Shadab Khan’s poor run with the ball continues to prove a big headache for Pakistan. Heading into the first game against the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, there were a lot of question marks over Shadab’s ability to pick wickets.
In his last 14 innings, he could only manage to pick nine wickets at an average of 42.11. The Pakistan spinner, once again, failed to deliver against the USA on Thursday.
Shadab played a handy knock with the bat but failed to pick wickets in the middle overs, which led to the hosts causing a big upset.
In three overs, he conceded 27 runs without picking a single wicket. Fans have been questioning his position in the playing XI despite owing to his poor form. Ahead of a crucial encounter against India on Sunday, Shadab Khan was not given bowl even a single over against India and he also didn’t contribute from his batting to the team when they needed him the most on a low scoring thriller which Pakistan eventually made a mess of.
In this article, let’s take a look at three players who can replace him in the playing XI:
1)Imad Wasim : The left-arm spinner, Imad Wasim missed out in the first game against USA due to a side strain injury. However, he is recovering well and is likely to play against India on Sunday.
Imad has been a proven performer in the shortest format and has a substantial experience of playing in the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies. Moreover, he has the ability to bowl in the powerplay and pick wickets, early on.
There is no denying that Imad Wasim could be in line to replace Shadab Khan on Sunday.
2)Abrar Ahmed :- Pakistan picked Abrar Ahmed as the third spinner in the squad, thanks to his impressive record in the shortest format. In 21 T20Is, he has picked 22 wickets at an average of 27.04. Abrar is playing his first T20 World Cup and he could be used as a mystery spinner in the clash against India.
3)Saim Ayub :- Pakistan failed to make an impact with the bat early on in the powerplay. Rizwan got out cheaply for 9 off 8 deliveries, while Babar Azam also invited criticism for his 44-ball 43-run knock. Left-handed batter, Saim Ayub is a destructive opener, who can wreak havoc if he gets going. In a big clash against India, the Men in Green would need an ideal start to put a big score on the board and Saim Ayub could be a perfect bet.
With his newly added skills of bowling quick carrom balls, he certainly provides an option to his captain Babar Azam when he needs someone to roll his arm for few overs while keeping the run rate in check.
