How Important is Saud Shakeel for Pakistan against South Africa? 🏏

[Mohammad Aizaz]

Pakistan’s Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has quietly become one of the most reliable batters in the side. Averaging 50 in Tests — and an even better 54 on home soil — he’s been Pakistan’s anchor during the recent series at home.

However, his record against South Africa tells a different story — an average of just 30, though that comes from only a few innings. As Pakistan prepare to face the World Test Champions, how crucial will Saud’s form and temperament be?

Points to discuss:

• Can Saud Shakeel continue his home dominance against South Africa’s strong pace attack?
• Should he bat higher up the order to stabilize the innings early?
• How much will his experience in local conditions matter against bowlers like Rabada, Jansen, and Ngidi?
• Is Saud the key to Pakistan’s middle-order stability, or will others like Babar and Rizwan carry the load?

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[mominsaigol]

Pakistan’s Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has quietly become one of the most reliable batters in the side. Averaging 50 in Tests — and an even better 54 on home soil — he’s been Pakistan’s anchor during the recent series at home.


However, his record against South Africa tells a different story — an average of just 30, though that comes from only a few innings. As Pakistan prepare to face the World Test Champions, how crucial will Saud’s form and temperament be?


Points to discuss:

• Can Saud Shakeel continue his home dominance against South Africa’s strong pace attack?
• Should he bat higher up the order to stabilize the innings early?
• How much will his experience in local conditions matter against bowlers like Rabada, Jansen, and Ngidi?
• Is Saud the key to Pakistan’s middle-order stability, or will others like Babar and Rizwan carry the load?

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1) Depends if Pakistan bats first.

2) He should bat at no 4 ideally but no 5 is fine as well.

3) Doctored pitches so experience doesn't matter.

4) The only load Babar and Rizwan carry is that of bringing Pakistan to it's knees.

 

[TheSultan]

I had high hopes for him. I wish him well, but my expectations of him are low. He’s just too scared to express himself with the bat