Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez praised World Cup debutant Saud Shakeel for his effective knockout against Netherlands in the main event opener in Hyderabad. The left-handed batsman, who made his World Cup debut on Friday, showed great patience along with Mohammad Rizwan to get his team out of trouble.
Saud Shakeel made his international debut for Pakistan in the ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in 2021, and had only played six one-day internationals until the match against Netherlands, but he did not make it in the 50th over. He left a disappointing result. He showed his skills in the opening match, scoring his first goal in half a century on the counter.
Speaking to the media, Mohammad Hafeez praised Saud Shakeel‘s great composure after losing three wickets in the powerplay and praised his excellent batting skills and his under The match ended under great pressure.
“When Pakistan lost three wickets early on and found themselves in trouble, Saud Shakeel saved the innings. He has solid technique and fought a tough innings. The way he handled the pressure is highly commendable,” said Mohammad Hafeez.
Pakistan had been looking for a solid middle-order batsman for a while now, apart from Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan in ODI cricket, and Shakeel has hit the jackpot as he has already shown he is capable as a batsman. It seems so. Differences in games.
I Know The Passion He Has For The Game – Mohammed Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez also said that Saud Shakeel was not even scheduled to play ODI cricket two months ago, but he seized the opportunity given to him in the match and the left-handed batsman played the game for his country. He said he has a passion to win. At the highest level.
“He wasn’t even in the team management’s ODI plans two months ago. I know how passionate he is and how much he wants to prove people wrong,” Mohammad Hafeez added.
Saoud Shakir wasn’t even a 2023 World Cup contender less than two months ago. Due to the pitch situation, it looked like Pakistan would stick with Salman Agha or try Tayyub Tahir, but things quickly changed after the Men in Green’s disastrous defeat at the 2023 Asian Cup. However, the southpaw may continue to do well. Continue to next match of ODI World Cup.
