The recent T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand turned into a forgettable experience for key players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan, who failed to deliver with both bat and ball. While some players managed to showcase promising performances, the overall outcome of the series was disappointing, especially for the vice-captain and senior pacer.
Shadab Khan’s Disappointing Performance
All-rounder Shadab Khan, who was included in the squad as the vice-captain for the series, struggled throughout the five-match contest. Instead of proving his experience and leadership, he remained largely ineffective, failing to make an impact with either bat or ball.
Batting Struggles
In the entire series, Shadab managed to score only 58 runs across four innings, with an unimpressive average of 14.50. His inability to build innings or contribute at crucial moments added to Pakistan’s batting woes.
Bowling Woes
Shadab’s bowling performance was equally underwhelming. In the five-match series, he bowled a total of 13 overs and conceded 143 runs while managing to take just one wicket. His average stood at a staggering 143, and his economy rate was 11 runs per over—both of which indicate his struggles in controlling the opposition batsmen.
Shaheen Afridi Fails to Deliver as a Strike Bowler
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, also endured a nightmare series. Considered the team’s most reliable wicket-taker, Shaheen’s form dipped considerably against the Kiwis.
Lackluster Bowling Figures
Afridi played four matches in the series but could only claim two wickets, finishing with an average of 66.50. This performance raised concerns about his form and effectiveness in the shorter format, especially with major international tournaments on the horizon.
Batsmen’s Performance Overview
While some Pakistani batsmen showed glimpses of brilliance, overall, the team’s batting remained inconsistent. The following is a breakdown of the individual performances:
Top Scorers in the Series
- Agha Salman: The Pakistani captain led from the front, scoring 167 runs at an impressive average of 41.75, making him the team’s highest run-scorer in the series.
- Hassan Nawaz: Despite starting the series poorly with three ducks and a single run in one match, Hassan made a remarkable comeback, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs in the third T20. His total runs of 106 gave him an average of 26.50, making him the second-highest scorer for Pakistan.
Underwhelming Contributions
- Abdul Samad: Managed to score 66 runs at an average of 16.50, failing to provide consistency in the middle order.
- Muhammad Haris: Opened the batting but only managed 65 runs in five matches at an average of 13, highlighting his struggles at the top of the order.
- Irfan Khan: Scored 36 runs in three matches, averaging just 12.
- Umar Yousuf & Usman Khan: Both played a single match each and scored seven runs.
Bowling Highlights – Haris Rauf Leads the Attack
While Shaheen and Shadab had a forgettable series, some Pakistani bowlers managed to put up a fight:
Best Bowlers of the Series
- Haris Rauf: Led the attack with eight wickets at an impressive average of 12.25, emerging as Pakistan’s most successful bowler.
- Abrar Ahmed: Took five wickets, providing much-needed breakthroughs in the middle overs.
- Abbas Afridi: Picked up three wickets but lacked consistency.
- Sufyan Muqeem: Took two wickets in a single match, showing promise for the future.
- Jehandad Khan, Muhammad Ali & Khushdil Shah: Each managed to take just one wicket in the series.
Key Takeaways from the Series
- Lack of Consistency Among Senior Players: The failure of experienced players like Shaheen and Shadab to step up in crucial moments exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability.
- Middle-Order Instability: Pakistan’s middle-order struggled throughout the series, barring a few individual performances.
- Bowling Concerns: While Haris Rauf performed well, Pakistan’s overall bowling lacked bite, with senior bowlers failing to make an impact.
- Positives to Take Forward: Agha Salman’s captaincy and individual performance, along with the emergence of young talents, offer hope for future series.
Conclusion – A Series to Forget for Pakistan’s Key Players
The T20 series against New Zealand turned out to be a nightmare for Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, as both failed to meet expectations. While a few players showcased promise, the team’s overall inconsistency and lack of execution led to disappointing results. Moving forward, Pakistan will need to address these issues, especially with major tournaments like the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
