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NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani paceman Wahab Riaz emphasised that the emerging fast bowler Naseem Shah is yet to fully unveil his complete potential and skills. In his ODI career so far, Naseem has claimed an impressive 25 wickets in 10 matches at a remarkable average of 16.12, showcasing his prowess with two five-wicket hauls.
Recently, Naseem secured a one-wicket victory for Pakistan over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Hambantota, delivering the winning runs against Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Notably, he had previously smashed two crucial sixes against Farooqi, carrying Pakistan to a remarkable one-wicket triumph in the Asia Cup final held in the UAE last year.
“Naseem has bowled well in quite a lot of matches. However, I feel that he has still not performed up to his capability as of yet. He should win matches for Pakistan considering his capability,” Wahab was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
He added that left-arm pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will be crucial to Pakistan’s hopes, as they build up to Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi is skilled with the new ball, and later Haris Rauf takes charge. They are specialists in bowling during the death overs. In the World Cup, Afridi’s ten overs will be of great importance. The team will need wickets from him between the 25th and 35th overs,” he said.
Recently, Naseem secured a one-wicket victory for Pakistan over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Hambantota, delivering the winning runs against Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Notably, he had previously smashed two crucial sixes against Farooqi, carrying Pakistan to a remarkable one-wicket triumph in the Asia Cup final held in the UAE last year.
“Naseem has bowled well in quite a lot of matches. However, I feel that he has still not performed up to his capability as of yet. He should win matches for Pakistan considering his capability,” Wahab was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
He added that left-arm pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will be crucial to Pakistan’s hopes, as they build up to Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi is skilled with the new ball, and later Haris Rauf takes charge. They are specialists in bowling during the death overs. In the World Cup, Afridi’s ten overs will be of great importance. The team will need wickets from him between the 25th and 35th overs,” he said.
Wahab felt Pakistan were over-dependent on the top order of Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and captain Babar Azam.
“In ODIs, Pakistan heavily relies on their top-order trio of Imam, Fakhar, and Babar. However, Pakistan continues to grapple with issues concerning their middle-order lineup.”
Scheduled from August 30 to September 17, the Asia Cup is set to unfold in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Commencing the tournament, Pakistan will take on Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30. Subsequently, a high-stakes encounter awaits as Pakistan confronts India on September 2 at Pallekele, adding to the excitement of this prestigious cricketing event.
(With IANS inputs)
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