- Misbah urges replacing Shadab Khan with Usama Mir in the Pakistan cricket team.
- Misbah voices worry over Shadab Khan’s ongoing struggles and lack of confidence.
- Misbah emphasizes the do-or-die scenario for Pakistan in upcoming matches after their loss to India in the ICC World Cup 2023.
In the wake of Pakistan’s seven-wicket loss to India in the 12th match of the ICC World Cup 2023, former captain Misbah ul Haq has pinpointed a crucial change needed in the team’s composition. Misbah, expressing concern over the performance of all-rounder Shadab Khan, suggested that it’s time to include Usama Mir in the squad.
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The defeat raised questions about Shadab Khan’s consistently subpar performances, prompting fans to call for his exclusion. Even before the World Cup began, doubts were cast on Shadab’s selection, given his lackluster showing in the Asia Cup 2023. Captain Babar Azam assured PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf that Shadab Khan would be dropped if he fails to perform.
Misbah focused on the spin department’s performance, emphasizing Mohammad Nawaz’s comparatively better form than Shadab. He highlighted Shadab’s lack of confidence in landing the ball in the right places during the recent match against India. Misbah argued that transitioning from T20 to 50-over cricket can be challenging, suggesting that the team should turn to Usama Mir to address these issues.
Misbah said while talking in a local sports show,
“I think Nawaz is still bowling well [as compared to Shadab], if you see his performance from the last 2-3 matches, he is batting with confidence. However, Shadab, even if you look at today’s bowling [against India] he didn’t have that confidence to land the ball at the right place.”
“When you are playing T20 cricket [for a long time] and you have to play 50-over cricket suddenly, it gets difficult. If you have all these problems, then you have a bowler in your squad in Usama Mir, and it’s time you go for him.”
Looking ahead, Misbah acknowledged that every upcoming match is now a do-or-die situation for Pakistan. The team finds itself in a precarious position, and any further setbacks could jeopardize their World Cup campaign.
He stated,
“The situation is now that every game has become a do-or-die contest.”
Pakistan’s batting collapse, losing eight wickets for just 36 runs, proved to be a significant setback in the match against India. Pakistan is fourth with an NRR of -0.137. They will now play Australia on October 20.
