- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
- Runs
- 24,192
Shadab Khan shared following thoughts in the post match press conference today:
Reporter: Congratulations on the win. Was there pressure after the significant defeat against India? Did you expect an easy win today?
Shadab Khan: I wouldn't call it "easy." In high-pressure games, the team that starts well usually takes control. They [the opponents] started well; they had an in-form player who played a good innings. I feel people are talking too much about that one [India] match. Obviously, our goal was to win that too, but at the end of the day, our main goal is to win the World Cup. We are following a process. Sometimes you don't get the results immediately, but if the process is good, results eventually follow.
Reporter: The mood in the dressing room must be great now. What is the strategy for the Super 8 to ensure Pakistan's success?
Shadab Khan: We will stick to the simple things we’ve been doing well. Our openers are giving us good starts. Saim Ayub (or the mentioned opener) is in good form. In these conditions, if one batsman stays in and scores 70+, it takes you above a par score. As a batting unit, we need to continue that. In bowling, we need to hit the right areas consistently. We have a great combination with mystery spinners like Usman and Abrar, and Saim is bowling well too. Then there’s Nawaz and myself. Along with the way the fast bombers bowled today, I believe we are on the right track.
Reporter: You mentioned in a viral video that you’d play the final and win it. How is the team morale, especially when big players like Shaheen are rested or Babar doesn't get a chance to bat?
Shadab Khan: As professionals, we don't take these things to heart. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great because the messages from management are very clear. No player is worried. Every player is trying their best to make the team win. The Super 8 will be difficult and high-pressure, but we will focus on what we can control. Also, with Ramadan here, our "12th man" (spiritual strength/prayers) is with us.
Reporter: Other teams seem settled, but Pakistan seems to be experimenting. Does this add pressure?
Shadab Khan: Do you really think we are experimenting too much? I don't think so. The messages are clear. Regarding Babar, he has a clear "entry point" as a batsman. Depending on the conditions and the situation of the game, the lineup changes. Every player knows exactly when they are expected to go in.
Reporter: You've worked with Mickey Arthur at Islamabad United and now the National team. Is there a difference? Also, he seems to love all-rounders; can you comment on that?
Shadab Khan: Franchise and National coaching are totally different. In a franchise, you have 1.5 months and can buy players to fill "missing links." In a National team, you have to build with the resources you have. In T20s, all-rounders are extremely valuable. Having players like Saim, Nawaz, and myself gives the captain luxury. If someone has a bad day, there are options to cover for them.
Reporter: You faced criticism after the India match, with some saying you should be dropped. You answered today with three wickets and good batting. Also, what tips did Wasim Akram give you before the match?
Shadab Khan: I didn't actually speak to Wasim Bhai today. Regarding criticism, I can't control people's opinions. I feel people are overreacting because of one bad over I bowled since my return. T20 is a format where you can go for runs or take wickets; I don't overthink it. As for our ex-cricketers, they are legends and have their opinions. But even in their time, we didn't always beat India in World Cups. In fact, our current team beat India in the 2021 World Cup. This "not winning against India in World Cups" has been a part of history long before us.
Reporter: You've been batting as a floater in the middle order. Is this your permanent role? How difficult is it to hit from the first ball in the death overs?
Shadab Khan: You have to be okay with failure. In that role, things won't go your way every day. You have to accept that. Modern T20 demands that you play according to the team's needs to reach an above-par score. Our captain has made it clear: apart from the top 2 or 3, everyone else is flexible based on the situation.
Reporter: Your next match is against New Zealand, but there’s a threat of rain for the following games. How prepared are you?
Shadab Khan: We talk about rain too much. Every day we think it will rain, but then the match happens. We won't stress over things we can't control. You never know—it might rain during the New Zealand match but stay clear for the others. We just have to be ready to play.
Reporter: Congratulations on the win. Was there pressure after the significant defeat against India? Did you expect an easy win today?
Shadab Khan: I wouldn't call it "easy." In high-pressure games, the team that starts well usually takes control. They [the opponents] started well; they had an in-form player who played a good innings. I feel people are talking too much about that one [India] match. Obviously, our goal was to win that too, but at the end of the day, our main goal is to win the World Cup. We are following a process. Sometimes you don't get the results immediately, but if the process is good, results eventually follow.
Reporter: The mood in the dressing room must be great now. What is the strategy for the Super 8 to ensure Pakistan's success?
Shadab Khan: We will stick to the simple things we’ve been doing well. Our openers are giving us good starts. Saim Ayub (or the mentioned opener) is in good form. In these conditions, if one batsman stays in and scores 70+, it takes you above a par score. As a batting unit, we need to continue that. In bowling, we need to hit the right areas consistently. We have a great combination with mystery spinners like Usman and Abrar, and Saim is bowling well too. Then there’s Nawaz and myself. Along with the way the fast bombers bowled today, I believe we are on the right track.
Reporter: You mentioned in a viral video that you’d play the final and win it. How is the team morale, especially when big players like Shaheen are rested or Babar doesn't get a chance to bat?
Shadab Khan: As professionals, we don't take these things to heart. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great because the messages from management are very clear. No player is worried. Every player is trying their best to make the team win. The Super 8 will be difficult and high-pressure, but we will focus on what we can control. Also, with Ramadan here, our "12th man" (spiritual strength/prayers) is with us.
Reporter: Other teams seem settled, but Pakistan seems to be experimenting. Does this add pressure?
Shadab Khan: Do you really think we are experimenting too much? I don't think so. The messages are clear. Regarding Babar, he has a clear "entry point" as a batsman. Depending on the conditions and the situation of the game, the lineup changes. Every player knows exactly when they are expected to go in.
Reporter: You've worked with Mickey Arthur at Islamabad United and now the National team. Is there a difference? Also, he seems to love all-rounders; can you comment on that?
Shadab Khan: Franchise and National coaching are totally different. In a franchise, you have 1.5 months and can buy players to fill "missing links." In a National team, you have to build with the resources you have. In T20s, all-rounders are extremely valuable. Having players like Saim, Nawaz, and myself gives the captain luxury. If someone has a bad day, there are options to cover for them.
Reporter: You faced criticism after the India match, with some saying you should be dropped. You answered today with three wickets and good batting. Also, what tips did Wasim Akram give you before the match?
Shadab Khan: I didn't actually speak to Wasim Bhai today. Regarding criticism, I can't control people's opinions. I feel people are overreacting because of one bad over I bowled since my return. T20 is a format where you can go for runs or take wickets; I don't overthink it. As for our ex-cricketers, they are legends and have their opinions. But even in their time, we didn't always beat India in World Cups. In fact, our current team beat India in the 2021 World Cup. This "not winning against India in World Cups" has been a part of history long before us.
Reporter: You've been batting as a floater in the middle order. Is this your permanent role? How difficult is it to hit from the first ball in the death overs?
Shadab Khan: You have to be okay with failure. In that role, things won't go your way every day. You have to accept that. Modern T20 demands that you play according to the team's needs to reach an above-par score. Our captain has made it clear: apart from the top 2 or 3, everyone else is flexible based on the situation.
Reporter: Your next match is against New Zealand, but there’s a threat of rain for the following games. How prepared are you?
Shadab Khan: We talk about rain too much. Every day we think it will rain, but then the match happens. We won't stress over things we can't control. You never know—it might rain during the New Zealand match but stay clear for the others. We just have to be ready to play.
