"The tough days and low points made me come back stronger" : Shoaib Malik

[Saj]

CPL 2021 stats:

Innings 10
Runs 67
Average 7.44
Strike rate of 59.82

 

[Bewal Express]

CPL 2021 stats:

Innings 10
Runs 67
Average 7.44
Strike rate of 59.82

Better than my guess but still awful.

 

[OMB]

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[MenInG]

Veteran Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik on Thursday became the first Asian batter to amass 11000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved the milestone during the National T20 Cup match between Central Punjab and Southern Punjab.

Batting for Central Punjab, Malik completed the feat en route to his 24-ball 26 in Lahore. Overall, Malik is the third batsman to the feat after the West Indies pair of Chris Gayle, who has scored 14276 runs in 448 matches in the format, and Kieron Pollard, who has scored 11223 runs in 567 T20 games.

1898 of his total T20 career runs have come in the international format while 5326 runs have come in T20 franchise leagues where he has participated in Pakistan Super League, Mzansi Super League, NatWest T20 Blast, Global T20 Canada, Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash League, Bangladesh Premier League, and the Indian Premier League.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/...o-amass-11000-runs-in-twenty20-cricket-739083

 

[MenInG]

When Shoaib Malik takes the field for Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup, the 39-year-old all-rounder could be forgiven for feeling his age.

When Malik made his international debut in 1999, current teammates such as pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Junior, and batsman Haider Ali were not even born.

Vice-captain Shadab Khan was just one while skipper Babar Azam and fellow all-rounder Hasan Ali had both just turned five.

Malik, still fighting fit, played his first one-day international against the West Indies at Sharjah in October 1999.

Legendary paceman Wasim Akram, who led Pakistan in Malik's first game, retired 18 years ago.

“I remember when Malik came into the Pakistan team in 1999,” Wasim Akram told AFP.

“I picked him up, he was a 16-17-year-old skinny guy and I initially picked him solely as a bowler and as a fielder and never knew that he can bat very well.”

Malik, however, is not the oldest player at the World Cup — Chris Gayle, 42, who made his ODI debut a month before Malik, will be looking to steer West Indies to a third T20 title.

'Life-saver for Pakistan'
“He (Malik) has turned out to be a life-saver for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket. Even now, when you talk about fitness, he is superb and trains so extensively,” added Wasim.

“I think young players should see him as a role model as he is still competing with them in domestic events and that shows how mentally strong he has been.

“He is looking good and that shows he wants to go on a high.”

Former teammate and captain Shahid Afridi also believes Malik can contribute as Pakistan go in search of a second T20 World Cup title.

“Good to see Shoaib Malik recalled for the T20 World Cup,” said Afridi.

“As a senior and experienced player, he can contribute big time for Pakistan.”

Babar Azam believes Malik will have a key role on and off the field in the United Arab Emirates.

“His experience will be an asset. He is still one of the fittest members of the squad,” Babar said on Sunday.

“We have to make a plan on including him in the playing XI.”

Malik, whose career has seen a series of ups and downs, led Pakistan to a runners-up finish in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007.

He was a member of the 2009 title-winning team and, after missing the 2010 event, featured in the last three editions.

Despite calls from fans for his inclusion for this year's showpiece, Malik was nowhere close to squad selection until last month.

His 225 runs in seven domestic matches of the National T20 Cup strengthened his case but it was only after top-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood was ruled out with a back problem that Malik sneaked into the squad at the last minute.

Malik retired from Test cricket in 2015 and ODIs after a miserable 2019 World Cup in England, where he fell for eight and two ducks.

He has already ruled out playing in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I want to play the World Cup and go out on a high,” he said.

Pakistan start their T20 World Cup campaign against old rivals India in Dubai on Sunday.

DAWN

 

[Loralai]

As I said previously it was the correct decision by the PCB to leave him out of the 2011 World Cup probables. His career was done and dusted then. Unbelievable to think he is playing ten years later. Iftikhar Ahmad was much more impressive in the recent National T20 cup and should have been selected if Sohaib was not available.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

As I said previously it was the correct decision by the PCB to leave him out of the 2011 World Cup probables. His career was done and dusted then. Unbelievable to think he is playing ten years later. Iftikhar Ahmad was much more impressive in the recent National T20 cup and should have been selected if Sohaib was not available.

Yes, let’s leave out Malik for the WC but take Misbah, Younis and Asad Shafiq instead lol ok

 

[MenInG]

Seems like Shoaib enjoying his role with the side. Wonder if we will see him bowl against India?

 

[Zaz]

Yes, let’s leave out Malik for the WC but take Misbah, Younis and Asad Shafiq instead lol ok

Bar probably misbah none of them shouldve been picked

Malik should have been watching this tournament from home Its sorry state of affairs hes going to be part of the team once again in the year 2021

 

[shamaan]

Malik should be batting ahead of hafeez in the batting order.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I think it’s time you actually do something on the big stage

 

[iniqbal223]

Seems like Shoaib enjoying his role with the side. Wonder if we will see him bowl against India?

View attachment 112483

Not sure what Hayden might be thinking

 

[shamaan]

Should be batting at 4

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Salute to you Sir for holding the innings together.

Absolutely perfect role of a senior player with a cool head on his shoulder, played today.

You totally justified your selection for the WC.

 

[gazza619]

He has proven me wrong big time!

Happy for him and for team Pakistan.

 

[Ashmal]

Well played Malik...not a fan but he really deserves credit for fulfiling his responsibility as a senior player

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Was saying to my friend when he came out to bat, that he was the one who would win it if anyone was going to. Say what you want about his game, but he's got a rock solid temperament.

 

[Bewal Express]

I am not a fan and never will be but he played brilliantly today. If you wanted a batsman to hit on slow wickets, Malik would be your man. Well done Malik

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I am not a fan and never will be but he played brilliantly today. If you wanted a batsman to hit on slow wickets, Malik would be your man. Well done Malik

I think it's more than hitting big on slow wickets. Many in Pak team can hit big on slow wickets but it's more of holding the innings together and don't crack under pressure.
It's having a solid temperament (like Cpt Rishwat said above) that is a rare commodity in Pak squad.

Everyone has jumped on the Asif Ali bandwagon (and rightly so), but Malik was the unsung hero tonight for holding it all together - and providing a platform for Asif to execute. Plan worked!

 

[Bewal Express]

I think it's more than hitting big on slow wickets. Many in Pak team can hit big on slow wickets but it's more of holding the innings together and don't crack under pressure.
It's having a solid temperament (like Cpt Rishwat said above) that is a rare commodity in Pak squad.

Everyone has jumped on the Asif Ali bandwagon (and rightly so), but Malik was the unsung hero tonight for holding it all together - and providing a platform for Asif to execute. Plan worked!

Intelligence has never been Maliks problem, performance under pressure has been poor over the last decade. Malik owed us that innings.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is precisely why me and [MENTION=153791]UzmanBeast[/MENTION] were saying we needed Malik in the side all along.

Had he not been there at the other end keeping his calm, Asif would never have had the license to hit those sixes and the side could easily fallen to another collapse.

This is the benefit of experience. Having young players is great...and exciting. But in certain situations you need guys with a calm head, who have been around the block a few times.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Intelligence has never been Maliks problem, performance under pressure has been poor over the last decade. Malik owed us that innings.

I would respectfully disagree. I think he handles pressure as well as any Pakistan batsman in the last couple of decades, he's won a lot of matches down the years. If he's got a fault it's that he's not technically the most gifted, he doesn't look like a classical batsman. But he finds ways to score runs and adapt to the situations he finds himself.

At no point today did he look like he had any self doubt, he came out with a set jaw and went about his work with only the win totally in his sights. Asif looked wobbly for a bit, but in my opinion, he was reassured by Malik's laser focus.

 

[DHONI183]

To be very honest, I was most against Malik`s selection. Never thought that he still had it in him to see through Pakistan in a tricky run-chase like this. Kudos to him. Well played! However, I would advise against getting carried away just yet. Still quite a few matches left, and one good innings in an entire tournament of at least five matches wouldn't be enough from a man of 23 years experience behind him.

Either way, I hope that he carries the good form.

 

[pakistani pride]

To be very honest, I was most against Malik`s selection. Never thought that he still had it in him to see through Pakistan in a tricky run-chase like this. Kudos to him. Well played! However, I would advise against getting carried away just yet. Still quite a few matches left, and one good innings in an entire tournament of at least five matches wouldn't be enough from a man of 23 years experience behind him.

Either way, I hope that he carries the good form.

Are you serious?
This match was won when Pak kept NZ at 135. Of course the chase would be tricky on a slow sharjah track.

It qas asif who hit 2 sixes to turn the match. Malik wasnt going anywhere.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Sohaib's injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Otherwise, Ramiz and M Wasim tried their best to keep Malik out of the team, yet it was Babar who insisted Malik's inclusion.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pakistan have now consecutively won 13 T20Is in UAE. Their last loss in the country was almost six years ago.

Babar Azam and Imad Wasim have played all 13 of these matches, while Shoaib Malik has also played 12 of them.

 

[UzmanBeast]

This is precisely why me and [MENTION=153791]UzmanBeast[/MENTION] were saying we needed Malik in the side all along.

Had he not been there at the other end keeping his calm, Asif would never have had the license to hit those sixes and the side could easily fallen to another collapse.

This is the benefit of experience. Having young players is great...and exciting. But in certain situations you need guys with a calm head, who have been around the block a few times.

Agreed.

I think the bigger issue is Mohammad Hafeez and how he slots into the team, and at what batting position.

Looking at our team combination, Asif and Malik have justified their selections without a doubt.

The issue is how we cover up the poor form of Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman's hot-cold nature.

I would perhaps do the following changes in the lineup:

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam (c)
Shoaib Malik
Mohammad Hafeez
Asif Ali
Hasan Ali
Shadab Khan
Imad Wasim
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf

For the game against Afghanistan, I might be tempted to bring Babar out in the middle overs and let Fakhar Zaman get going against their spinners up top.

At the same time, however, I would not want to risk Babar's form.

Tough call, because Haider has a weakness to spin as well.

 

[DHONI183]

Are you serious?
This match was won when Pak kept NZ at 135. Of course the chase would be tricky on a slow sharjah track.

It qas asif who hit 2 sixes to turn the match. Malik wasnt going anywhere.

The fact that you admitted that the chase would be tricky is enough to understand the point made in my post, brother. Thanks. Also, I hope that you're doing well.

 

[DHONI183]

Are you serious?
This match was won when Pak kept NZ at 135. Of course the chase would be tricky on a slow sharjah track.

It qas asif who hit 2 sixes to turn the match. Malik wasnt going anywhere.

Also, a quick look at the thread suggests that quite a few people are lauding Malik's little innings, and I don't think that the thread itself was bumped to say that Malik played no role in the win, or was it? I just happen to be one of those who are appreciating him, unless I'm missing out on anything.

 

[sweep_shot]

Shoaib was great today. Had a good partnership with Asif.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Agreed.

I think the bigger issue is Mohammad Hafeez and how he slots into the team, and at what batting position.

Looking at our team combination, Asif and Malik have justified their selections without a doubt.

The issue is how we cover up the poor form of Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman's hot-cold nature.

I would perhaps do the following changes in the lineup:

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam (c)
Shoaib Malik
Mohammad Hafeez
Asif Ali
Hasan Ali
Shadab Khan
Imad Wasim
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf

For the game against Afghanistan, I might be tempted to bring Babar out in the middle overs and let Fakhar Zaman get going against their spinners up top.

At the same time, however, I would not want to risk Babar's form.

Tough call, because Haider has a weakness to spin as well.

Hafeez is not a problem in my eyes. Looking at his body language today, it was obvious he meant business. I felt he was quite unlucky to get out the way he did because the ball was in the gap. You simply have to tip your hat to Conway who took the catch of the tournament.

Plus Hafeez's importance with the ball cannot be understated. He adds so much depth to the attack. Because you cannot expect all 5 of your front-line bowlers to show up in every game. And in a tournament where match-ups and data have become so integral, its important to have a bowler with such an incredible record against left-handers.

I'm not worried about Fakhar either. He's a high-impact player. One or two failures should not change that. The damage he can do when he is on-song is much more important. I'm sure he will step-up. And I would keep him at 3 because I don't think we should fix something that isn't broken.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Agreed.

I think the bigger issue is Mohammad Hafeez and how he slots into the team, and at what batting position.

Looking at our team combination, Asif and Malik have justified their selections without a doubt.

The issue is how we cover up the poor form of Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman's hot-cold nature.

I would perhaps do the following changes in the lineup:

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam (c)
Shoaib Malik
Mohammad Hafeez
Asif Ali
Hasan Ali
Shadab Khan
Imad Wasim
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf

For the game against Afghanistan, I might be tempted to bring Babar out in the middle overs and let Fakhar Zaman get going against their spinners up top.

At the same time, however, I would not want to risk Babar's form.

Tough call, because Haider has a weakness to spin as well.

For the game against Afghanistan, I would (if anything) consider dropping Fakhar down. Because I feel Mujeeb has his number. He has been dismissed by Mujeeb 2 out of 2 times. And on both occasions for a duck. That's a negative match-up for Pakistan that they should try and avoid. So I say keep the openers where they are and promote Hafeez to 3 because he is a good player of spin. Fakahr drops to 4. Malik stays at 5 because you need someone credible in the middle too.

 

[Mahee]

Malik back to his original form....looks really threatening

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Hafeez is not a problem in my eyes. Looking at his body language today, it was obvious he meant business. I felt he was quite unlucky to get out the way he did because the ball was in the gap. You simply have to tip your hat to Conway who took the catch of the tournament.

Plus Hafeez's importance with the ball cannot be understated. He adds so much depth to the attack. Because you cannot expect all 5 of your front-line bowlers to show up in every game. And in a tournament where match-ups and data have become so integral, its important to have a bowler with such an incredible record against left-handers.

I'm not worried about Fakhar either. He's a high-impact player. One or two failures should not change that. The damage he can do when he is on-song is much more important. I'm sure he will step-up. And I would keep him at 3 because I don't think we should fix something that isn't broken.

Agree on Hafeez. He looked in menacing form, even the shot he got out on looked well hit. Body language is big for me, and both Shoaib and Hafeez looked super focused.

 

[UzmanBeast]

For the game against Afghanistan, I would (if anything) consider dropping Fakhar down. Because I feel Mujeeb has his number. He has been dismissed by Mujeeb 2 out of 2 times. And on both occasions for a duck. That's a negative match-up for Pakistan that they should try and avoid. So I say keep the openers where they are and promote Hafeez to 3 because he is a good player of spin. Fakahr drops to 4. Malik stays at 5 because you need someone credible in the middle too.

That makes sense as well.

We're playing Afghanistan at Sharjah right?

 

[pakistani pride]

The fact that you admitted that the chase would be tricky is enough to understand the point made in my post, brother. Thanks. Also, I hope that you're doing well.

OK, lets go in a little bit more detail. The rrr was climbing with every ball during Malik at the crease UNTILL Asif came in.

When that leg spinner bowled his last over I expected Malik to take his chance and he even got 2 balls at leg stump which he failed to hit.

Win predictor had NZ winning BEFORE the Southee over. It was Asif who changed everything with those 2 hits.

I know the standards with Malik are low. What he did yesterday was nothing special.

That is also the reason he has such a poor record in ICC events.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

That makes sense as well.

We're playing Afghanistan at Sharjah right?

Dubai.

And tbh, I'd rather play them there than at Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Agree on Hafeez. He looked in menacing form, even the shot he got out on looked well hit. Body language is big for me, and both Shoaib and Hafeez looked super focused.

Hafeez and Malik were always integral to the combination in these conditions, and I felt both were showing that today. Eventhough Hafeez didn't deliver with the bat, his bowling brought us a very crucial wicket of Neesham.

Imagine if it was Khushdil or Azam out there. Our goose would have been cooked.

 

[PakPremi]

Malik played gem of inning with good balance of anchoring alongand acceleration when needed. Looked in total control. Imad did his best to waste the balls with his pathetic attempt with reverse hit type shots which he tries often and fails often.

 

[DHONI183]

OK, lets go in a little bit more detail. The rrr was climbing with every ball during Malik at the crease UNTILL Asif came in.

When that leg spinner bowled his last over I expected Malik to take his chance and he even got 2 balls at leg stump which he failed to hit.

Win predictor had NZ winning BEFORE the Southee over. It was Asif who changed everything with those 2 hits.

I know the standards with Malik are low. What he did yesterday was nothing special.

That is also the reason he has such a poor record in ICC events.

Yeah, but I read even websites giving him credit for seeing Pakistan through alongside Asif, and I just happened to be one of the many. I don't think that I did anything so odd to be asked whether I'm even serious or not.

As for the analytical aspect of your post, see my original post again. I mentioned that I was against hus selection, and the reason behind that is well documented on the forum, which being his poor form since, well, ages, I would say.

Either way, Malik played well, and almost the entire Pakistan agrees with me.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Dubai.

And tbh, I'd rather play them there than at Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Yes, Dubai is a great place to play Afghanistan.

The ball shouldn't spin that much if it's a good wicket.

A flat wicket, and I think we have a good chance.

 

[silentkiller187]

malik deserves credit, he settled the team down when we were ina bit of bother, he had the anchor role and played it well in my opinion, hit 4 and 6 when needed but also rotated strike put fielders under pressure and know doubt was a calming influence on asif at the end. he should have come ahead of imad who looked a bit panicky and was all over the place.

Hafeez also came out looking like a man on a mission, 6 first ball and it took a freak catch to dismiss him, if that had also gone for 4 momentum would have been with pak and we would have seen the game of easily.

I doubted malik selection however in UAE and lower scores, his nudging into gaps could be exactly what we needed, rathe than the power of azam / kushdil etc.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The vital guidance and counter plan by Malik was the key.
Glad that Asif openly gives him credit.

Malik indeed was the mastermind behind Asif's execution.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

malik deserves credit, he settled the team down when we were ina bit of bother, he had the anchor role and played it well in my opinion, hit 4 and 6 when needed but also rotated strike put fielders under pressure and know doubt was a calming influence on asif at the end. he should have come ahead of imad who looked a bit panicky and was all over the place.

Hafeez also came out looking like a man on a mission, 6 first ball and it took a freak catch to dismiss him, if that had also gone for 4 momentum would have been with pak and we would have seen the game of easily.

I doubted malik selection however in UAE and lower scores, his nudging into gaps could be exactly what we needed, rathe than the power of azam / kushdil etc.

IMO, Pakistan was just one wicket away from a complete disaster.
Had Malik not held it together and lost his wicket in a rush shot, this game was good as gone.

 

[shamaan]

Even thou Asif Ali won the game.Malik was the key for pakiatan to get over the line.Calm Composed and milked the spinner.

 

[Hassaan HS]

Shoaib Malik on the evolution of T20 cricket | T20 World Cup

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[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik speaking today:

"I was playing in the Caribbean Premier League when the initial ICC T20 World Cup squad was announced and my names was not in that list; Of course I felt bad and was very disappointed, and when you are not selected for such a tournament, it hurts. But as a professional cricketer it is your job to talk to yourself and come out of this frustrating situation, which is what I did as I was playing in the CPL, and I came back and played in the National T20 Cup; I still enjoy going to the ground and that's what keeps me going"

"I have a self-obsession of seeing myself fit whenever I look at myself in the mirror. Most importantly I am enjoying play cricket and it is helping the team as well. I guess if you want to stay fit then you have to train every day and that is what I have been doing"

 

[pakistani pride]

Minnow basher in full force today.
Lets hope and pray we do not need him in the SF, as we all know how that will be:

Malik vs the AUS pace.

 

[offstump]

Minnow basher in full force today.
Lets hope and pray we do not need him in the SF, as we all know how that will be:

Malik vs the AUS pace.

Can’t believe how negative our own fans can be.

 

[Zaz]

Can’t believe how negative our own fans can be.

Its not negative but a fact Hopefully he wont be needed but malik needs to stand up for pakistan in the next two games against pace

Question is can he? History says otherwise

 

[Mobashir]

Minnow basher in full force today.
Lets hope and pray we do not need him in the SF, as we all know how that will be:

Malik vs the AUS pace.

Minnow bashing is a problem when you don't well in important games.
Malik has done very well in every match so far.

 

[pakistani pride]

Minnow bashing is a problem when you don't well in important games.
Malik has done very well in every match so far.

What did he do in the other games?
Also be real today was just a warm up for the semis.

 

[pakistani pride]

Can’t believe how negative our own fans can be.

Negative?

Its a fact, he cant play pace.

 

[moghul]

Minnow basher in full force today.
Lets hope and pray we do not need him in the SF, as we all know how that will be:

Malik vs the AUS pace.

Nothing negative about your comments , Hafeez more than Shoaib can't play pace and not expected to do well against Australia . Shoaib also does not play high quality pace bowling well, can't play pull or hook on ball in excess of 140 pace.

 

[MenInG]

"It will be a tough challenge for both team and will give us butterflies" : Shoaib Malik

Veteran Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik on Sunday admitted a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final against a formidable Australia will give him "butterflies".

Pakistan completed the Super 12 stage with five wins in as many games with a clinical 72-run win over qualifiers Scotland in Sharjah.

Shoaib smashed a quickfire 18-ball 54 not out -- the fastest half century of the tournament -- as Pakistan scored 189-2 in 20 overs before keeping Scotland down to 117-6.

This gave Pakistan a mouth-watering semi-final against Australia in Dubai -- a repeat of the 2010 T20 World Cup last-four which the Australians won on the last ball in St Lucia.

"Of course, we are watching Australia play good cricket and so are we, so it will be a tough match for both teams," said 39-year-old Shoaib after his man-of-the-match knock which contained six sixes and a four.

"It will be a tough challenge for both teams and will give us butterflies but that is always encouraging."

Shoaib, who has played in all seven editions of the T20 World Cup, will treat Thursday's semi-final as "just another game".

"We will take the semi-final as just another game and I think if we do that then we will be able to plan things in a better way," he said.

Australia finished runners-up in Group 1, winning four of their five matches, but losing out on top spot to England on net run-rate.

Having not won a Twenty20 World Cup yet, Australia are peaking at the right time with opener David Warner returning to form, scoring 89 not out against the West Indies on Saturday.

"We will have a good rest, we are the form team so we need to plan well for the semi-final and this rest will surely help in doing that," added Shoaib.

"I am enjoying cricket and keeping fit, always love to come to the ground and do my best for my country and today's innings was like that, highly enjoyable and it helped the team."

Shoaib, who was not part of the initial squad and was only included when Sohaib Maqsood was ruled out with a back injury, said the omission had hurt.

"I was playing the Caribbean Premier League when the initial squad was announced and when my name was not there, it hurt but I had a way to get my frustration out as I was playing.

"Then I came back to Pakistan and did well in the National Twenty20 and luckily got selected, so I am happy that I am here and enjoying my time."

© 2021 AFP

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik revealed how his anger at missing out on Pakistan’s initial squad propelled him to a starring role at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

The veteran batter, 39, struggled badly for form in the Caribbean Premier League and missed out on Misbah-ul-Haq’s initial selection for the tournament.

But Malik managed to work his way back into contention and his brutal 18-ball fifty in Pakistan’s 72-run win over Scotland was the ultimate statement of intent.

“I was playing on the Caribbean Premier League when they have announced the first team, and my name was not there,” he said.

“Of course I felt bad. I was very disappointed. But I've seen a lot of the teams where my name was not there, so of course when you're not part of World Cup team, then it hurts.

“But as a professional cricketer or as a professional athlete your goal is to talk to yourself and somehow come out from that frustration.

“I had the opportunity because I was playing in the Caribbean Premier League, and then I've come back, I played a domestic tournament because I still enjoy going to the ground, and that's what keeps me going.”

Shoaib hit six sixes in what was Pakistan’s fastest-ever T20I fifty and the eighth quickest of all time.

It helped his side post 189 which was enough for victory, seeing them top Group 2 and set up a semi-final clash with Australia.

Despite the length of his service in the international game, having made his debut in 1999, Shoaib remains one of the fittest members of his squad.

It’s clear that sheer vanity plays a part in him having maintained such high physical standards.

“Well, to be honest, I would say I have self-obsession of seeing myself fit when I look at it in the mirror,” he said.

“Most importantly I'm still enjoying playing cricket, and it's helping, as well, end of the day towards the team.

“I guess if you want to stay fit, then you've got to train every day, and that's what I have been doing.

“I'm not sure about playing a year more or two more years. Right now I'm middle of a very important thing and not thinking about all that.”

Meanwhile, Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer believes mastering the powerplay is the key to his side’s ongoing progress.

Having achieved one of their aims in advancing to the Super 12s, including via a landmark win over Bangladesh, they struggled to make an impression in the second phase.

“Not that we have never played here before, we have done and quite a few times, but what we've realised is the importance of the powerplay,” said Coetzer.

“We haven't really nailed that yet in terms of with the bat. I think the importance of how to play high-quality spin bowling.

“I believe that we're a very strong side and very capable of playing spin bowling, but it's a different story when you come and play at Sharjah and you come and play at some of these grounds out here and the style in which the mystery spinner is coming down.

“We have to go away and look at that and see how we can develop that as much as possible.”

Coetzer reflected with pride on his team’s journey and they will hope to return to the big stage and qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“Well, hopefully there's a lot of exciting things ahead,” said Coetzer

“This seven weeks or so I'm extremely proud of how we've played and what we've achieved. We've got an excellent group, and the guys are willing to learn.

“I think we've shown on a couple of occasions almost what we're capable of. We've got plenty left in the tank.

“But hopefully from the seven weeks or so we've managed to inspire as many associate nations as we possibly can and hopefully certainly inspire young cricketers back in Scotland.”

 

[SpiritOf1903]

This guy wasn't good enough in 2007, let alone now!.

 

[shamaan]

Negative?

Its a fact, he cant play pace.

Yes becouse these conditions the ball will be flying past your eyes at 150 kph

 

[MenInG]

Playing his 450th T20 game today!

 

[Barragan]

Kick him out already!

The WC is done and he should be removed as well.

Pathetic dismissal from such a experienced player.

 

[MenInG]

Kick him out already!

The WC is done and he should be removed as well.

Pathetic dismissal from such a experienced player.

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[RedwoodOriginal]

Shocking brainfade from him today. Especially because he is the antithesis of laziness and lethargy.

Being an experienced player he can't let blunders like this happen, because even the slightest mistake will bring his haters out of the woodwork in unison.

 

[Cric1234]

Shocking brainfade from him today. Especially because he is the antithesis of laziness and lethargy.

Being an experienced player he can't let blunders like this happen, because even the slightest mistake will bring his haters out of the woodwork in unison.

With the next WC in Australia time for Malik to retire no chance of him doing well over there at over 40 years of age which leaves a year to groom and develop a batsman to replace him.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

With the next WC in Australia time for Malik to retire no chance of him doing well over there at over 40 years of age which leaves a year to groom and develop a batsman to replace him.

If he's performing he can play till 50. I really don't care.

Age is just a number. Some players being their careers at 30, others retire at 33. Some play well over their 40s and continue performing for their team.

I haven't seen the fans of any country as obsessed with the ages of players as much as Pakistani fans are. I think its about time the age factor was given a rest.

 

[sweep_shot]

This should be his last series.

I don't know why is still hanging around. He is taking up place of a youngster.

 

[shamaan]

If he's performing he can play till 50. I really don't care.

Age is just a number. Some players being their careers at 30, others retire at 33. Some play well over their 40s and continue performing for their team.

I haven't seen the fans of any country as obsessed with the ages of players as much as Pakistani fans are. I think its about time the age factor was given a rest.

What do you think about his dismissal today from such as experienced campaigner.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

What do you think about his dismissal today from such as experienced campaigner.

I've already expressed my thoughts on the dismissal above on this thread.

 

[GreenKhan]

If he's performing he can play till 50. I really don't care.

Age is just a number. Some players being their careers at 30, others retire at 33. Some play well over their 40s and continue performing for their team.

I haven't seen the fans of any country as obsessed with the ages of players as much as Pakistani fans are. I think its about time the age factor was given a rest.

And Pakistan fans and selectors are probably the only country who will allow mediocre players like Malik and Hafeez who consistently fail at top level to play 300 games plus for their country .

Malik got lucky this World Cup as he was able to make hay against Scotland , whereas Hafeez failed as usual in pressure chases against Kiwis and Afghanistan !

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

And Pakistan fans and selectors are probably the only country who will allow mediocre players like Malik and Hafeez who consistently fail at top level to play 300 games plus for their country .

Malik got lucky this World Cup as he was able to make hay against Scotland , whereas Hafeez failed as usual in pressure chases against Kiwis and Afghanistan !

Stop living in a fantasy world where you think Pakistan is brimming with talent. If Malik and Hafeez really were so mediocre, they would have been replaced long ago. The fact that they aren't shows how spectacularly Pakistan have failed when it comes to finding guys to develop their limited-overs middle-order in the last few years.

Even outside Malik and Hafeez Pakistan's best limited-overs batting prospect (who hasn't established himself in the side) is Iftikhar who is probably the same age as these two.

 

[badsha001]

Stop living in a fantasy world where you think Pakistan is brimming with talent. If Malik and Hafeez really were so mediocre, they would have been replaced long ago. The fact that they aren't shows how spectacularly Pakistan have failed when it comes to finding guys to develop their limited-overs middle-order in the last few years.

Even outside Malik and Hafeez Pakistan's best limited-overs batting prospect (who hasn't established himself in the side) is Iftikhar who is probably the same age as these two.

I would rather lose games with new comers than see these clowns and win the games. Literally no shame and self-respect.

 

[Zaz]

Can anyone explain why is he still being picked?

 

[shamaan]

I would rather lose games with new comers than see these clowns and win the games. Literally no shame and self-respect.

I just think that malik and hafeez desvered to be play the last world cup due to the conditions I had both in my squad but now that the conditions will be in Australia I will only pick 1 if that.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I would rather lose games with new comers than see these clowns and win the games. Literally no shame and self-respect.

If someone is good enough and performing than they should be there plain and simple. Hafeez had the best batting year of his career in 2020 in T20Is, and Malik showed his worth in a number of games in the World Cup. On top of that, both are domestic + PSL performers.

Pakistani fans get up in arms when a player fails in one game and develop amnesia regarding said player's performance even a couple of weeks ago. Then someone like Malik will play another crucial innings in another match, or a young player will fail and the same people will be bumping threads left and right about how Malik still has it. Its an endless cycle and I've seen it far too often.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The age factor flouted by posters here really makes me laugh. Because it has little basis in logic or reality.

Experience and age are not a bad thing, but rather a positive. Few players in a generation are prodigies. Others usually take time to develop into international-level cricketers, and that journey is usually paved with many ups and downs. Even the best players in the world today have experienced a low-point in their professional careers at one point or another.

It is ludicrous to expect an entire team to be packed with 20 year olds unless it was your national U-25 side. And at the end of the day age has nothing to do with what that individual is contributing to the team. And the role he is playing in the final eleven.

Some players you see at 20 and you know they are future stars. Others struggle and go through failure before maturing into complete cricketers in their 30s. Point is there is no set time pattern to when a player may get good, or even improve.

Which is why arbitrarily applying the age factor to a team sport like cricket is an utterly ignorant idea to engage in.

 

[volcyz]

He has way too many connections

If he was like Fawad Alam he wouldve be perma dropped ages ago

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Is he targeting T20 WC in Australia or odi wc in India or 2025 ct at his home ?

Absolutely pathetic to still hang around

 

[Pollack]

May you play for years to come. Champion batsman.

 

[Zaz]

Even tho i dont agree I can understand him being brought back for a big tourney to give that experience and help potentially win the trophy as a one off

What i dont understand is him continually being picked and playing against a poor team like bangaldesh when someone younger who has a future can be groomed and use the experience

What point does it serve him playing against bangladesh 2nd 11 in a bilateral t20 series?

 

[boomboomcheema]

Maybe he is planning to call an end to his career in front of the home Crowd during 2025 CT and hoping to win it for Pakistan. Certainly deserves to go on a high with a grand farewell considering his long career

 

[pakistani pride]

If he's performing he can play till 50. I really don't care.

Age is just a number. Some players being their careers at 30, others retire at 33. Some play well over their 40s and continue performing for their team.

I haven't seen the fans of any country as obsessed with the ages of players as much as Pakistani fans are. I think its about time the age factor was given a rest.

And what exactly has he performed?
Can you please show us?