[VIDEOS] Is Abdullah Shafique the most highly-rated young Pakistani batter of recent times?

[ssuhaide]

This so called new hope is a fraud. Time to jettison him from the line-up. Failed on flat docile wickets and has failed for a while.

 

[James]

Seems to be losing his form, but don’t drop the kid. Support him, coach him, back him. Try and remove his fear of failure. He’s a talented batsman and teams need to move away from such quick sackings because of impatience.

 

[Savak]

Seems to be losing his form, but don’t drop the kid. Support him, coach him, back him. Try and remove his fear of failure. He’s a talented batsman and teams need to move away from such quick sackings because of impatience.

He has failed in 3-4 test matches in a row which the team has lost, this is not a charity organization where the team can afford to carry non performers.

He needs to iron out his technical flaws, work on his mindset and score big runs in domestic cricket and put himself in a position to be recalled. Till then he makes way for Huraira.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

His latest dismissal was very unfortunate. That ball just about snuck through by shooting real low. No technique can stop that. You need luck .

 

[Afhan Ali]

So happy for him that he failed again.

 

[James]

His latest dismissal was very unfortunate. That ball just about snuck through by shooting real low. No technique can stop that. You need luck .

Yep, got a grubber / gazunder / shooter or whichever is one’s preferred colloquial term.

When a straight ball keeps low in the 4th innings, it’s a very difficult delivery for any batsman to keep out particularly a right hander.

 

[James]

He has failed in 3-4 test matches in a row which the team has lost, this is not a charity organization where the team can afford to carry non performers.

He needs to iron out his technical flaws, work on his mindset and score big runs in domestic cricket and put himself in a position to be recalled. Till then he makes way for Huraira.

Who was one of England’s best batters on the tour of Pakistan, despite a lot of low scores for two years, including in many heavy losses? Zak Crawley.

Abdullah Shafique recently registered a matchwinning 4th innings century on a turning pitch in Sri Lanka. That is a very high ceiling that he is capable of.

Stand by your young players or they’ll never even have a chance to grow.

 

[Saj]

Bit of bad luck at times but a worrying run of form:

0
19
17
7
26
8

 

[MenInG]

Bit of bad luck at times but a worrying run of form:

0
19
17
7
26
8

His dismissal today

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[Savak]

Who was one of England’s best batters on the tour of Pakistan, despite a lot of low scores for two years, including in many heavy losses? Zak Crawley.

Abdullah Shafique recently registered a matchwinning 4th innings century on a turning pitch in Sri Lanka. That is a very high ceiling that he is capable of.

Stand by your young players or they’ll never even have a chance to grow.

There was a lot of pressure on Zak Crawley to be dropped and he did get dropped at stages when England were badly struggling. His luck changed when Brendon Mccullam came along and also England started winning which meant England could afford to carry him.

Unfortunately Pakistan does not have these luxuries especially when the team is losing. Sometimes you have to drop players who have zero confidence and are under pressure from the team for their own good so that they can be taken out of the firing line.

 

[Saj]

His dismissal today

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Kept a bit low but it wasn't exactly a daisy-cutter.

He seemed to be a bit late on it.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Back him 100%. Do not drop him.

Him, Shakeel and Salman are the future of the Test side.

 

[ex-q-zit]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Atherton impressed by Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/6DRCIoTVXy">pic.twitter.com/6DRCIoTVXy</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1613589936019574788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Shaheen Shah Afridi speaking in presser

"I personally like him [Abdullah Shafique]. He is the second classy batter after Babar Azam. He wasn't feeling well due to flu but he is feeling better now and batting in the nets. Our opening partnership is doing well, we will look at our combination before making a decision [about his inclusion in the squad],"

 

[Concerned]

Are the options so limited that he features in PSL?

 

[MenInG]

Are the options so limited that he features in PSL?

He's doing well. 40*(26) - Let's give him a chance to perform - he may well surprise us.

 

[ElRaja]

hes an excellent player, needs to be backed and allowed to play more aggressively in tests, he clearly has the shots, just becomes a bit too circumspect in tests.

 

[Concerned]

Nice innings today, but he has no place in T20 cricket. Got a back log of Babar, Rizwan, and Shan to deal with first.

 

[topspin]

I would prefer to have this guy opening for Pakistan instead of Imam in ODIs. He's technically far more sound.

 

[Third Man]

Shaheen Shah Afridi speaking in presser

"I personally like him [Abdullah Shafique]. He is the second classy batter after Babar Azam. He wasn't feeling well due to flu but he is feeling better now and batting in the nets. Our opening partnership is doing well, we will look at our combination before making a decision [about his inclusion in the squad],"

Shaheen clearly knows what he's talking about. And to be honest from what I've seen of AS in t20 cricket he is a much better hitter of the ball than Babar.

 

[Savak]

Have been surprised by Abdullah Shafiqs tuk tuk batting in test matches. The guy was regarded as an aggressive dasher by domestic pundits early on in his debut season.

Good to see him finally mix technique with attacking stroke play today

 

[asadee]

I would prefer to have this guy opening for Pakistan instead of Imam in ODIs. He's technically far more sound.

And a better fielder

 

[angrypathan]

Nice innings today, but he has no place in T20 cricket. Got a back log of Babar, Rizwan, and Shan to deal with first.

Has a higher strike rate than all 3 of them. But I’m sure the Qalandars management won’t select him anymore now that Mr Concerned has declared that he doesn’t belong in T20 cricket

 

[moghul]

Abdullah has proved he can be an all format player. Technically sound and whatever doubt people had about him as a t20 players , should be silenced now.

This year's PSL has been the most exciting than any in the past , exciting local talent being unearthed. Ihsanullah, Saim , promising performance of Abdullah , Haris ( with few hiccups ) , Tayyab Tahir, Abrar, Arshad Iqbal and Azam Khan .

 

[SalimBhai]

I dont know about you guys, but this chap played one hell of an innings. If replays a few Moree in PSL like this. I think he needs to be looked at in white ball cricket. Replayed proper shots today

 

[Rana]

I have a feeling that the alien ‘jadoo’ from koi mil gaya is hiding in Abdullah’s shed. Or the real Abdullah has been kidnapped and the kidnappers have sent his clone to the PSL

That innings yesterday was not the Abdullah we have seen. Something isn’t right

 

[Mirpuri Don]

Have been surprised by Abdullah Shafiqs tuk tuk batting in test matches. The guy was regarded as an aggressive dasher by domestic pundits early on in his debut season.

Good to see him finally mix technique with attacking stroke play today

Yes, few know but Abdullah got a century on debut in both first class and T20.

More specifically in the latter format, back in 2020 he hit a 102* while chasing a +200 target at a healthy SR (+170), many of the opposition bowlers having played some international cricket for Pak, scorecard :

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...jab-pakistan-2nd-match-1231320/full-scorecard

So capabilities are definitely there, with the Kohli-esque shots as well.

 

[TheSultan]

He’s played very well both yesterday and today and very (are you watching babar and rizwan) selflessly

 

[Third Man]

He’s played very well both yesterday and today and very (are you watching babar and rizwan) selflessly

That's the main thing. He's selflessless and is prepared to take risks. Understands T20 batting.

 

[Plumb]

He should be in the ODIs not in T20s, not because of his ability but he should only concentrate in ODIs and tests

 

[shah_1]

He can be our no 4 in ODIs

 

[Salman4.]

Yes, few know but Abdullah got a century on debut in both first class and T20.

What am I missing? Isn't that the first thing that comes up whenever he is mentioned. Have also heard this feat in commentary multiple times. Misbah has said this too countless times.

 

[as-95]

45 off 24 today. Do the people saying he shouldn’t play T20 even watch him? Dude is the real deal.

 

[as-95]

Abdullah has proved he can be an all format player. Technically sound and whatever doubt people had about him as a t20 players , should be silenced now.

This year's PSL has been the most exciting than any in the past , exciting local talent being unearthed. Ihsanullah, Saim , promising performance of Abdullah , Haris ( with few hiccups ) , Tayyab Tahir, Abrar, Arshad Iqbal and Azam Khan .

Agree. Lots of solid young talent on display. Don’t forget Akif Javed either. Been performing pretty well so far too.

 

[Suleiman]

I have a feeling that the alien ‘jadoo’ from koi mil gaya is hiding in Abdullah’s shed. Or the real Abdullah has been kidnapped and the kidnappers have sent his clone to the PSL

That innings yesterday was not the Abdullah we have seen. Something isn’t right

He was using 10% of his power. Now he’s tapped into 30%.

Once he taps into 50% Kohli is in trouble.

 

[shamaan]

I dont know about you guys, but this chap played one hell of an innings. If replays a few Moree in PSL like this. I think he needs to be looked at in white ball cricket. Replayed proper shots today

He can bat anywhere in the top 4

 

[shamaan]

He should have been in Lohare xi from the first game.He can bat In the top 4 in odis and t20s.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

He should have been in Lohare xi from the first game.He can bat In the top 4 in odis and t20s.

He is an example to Babar, that you don’t need to be a Tulley baaz to play in the middle order. When Abdullah first started in the PSL, he has a slower s/r than Babar. So, if Abdullah can do it at No.3, why can’t Bobby do it at No.4?

 

[Officer Barbrady]

I have a feeling that the alien ‘jadoo’ from koi mil gaya is hiding in Abdullah’s shed. Or the real Abdullah has been kidnapped and the kidnappers have sent his clone to the PSL

That innings yesterday was not the Abdullah we have seen. Something isn’t right

I think you confused the obdurate version of Shafique playing per a specific plan in test cricket with the version we see here in T20.

He’s always had the shotmaking and talent and we saw glimpses of it in the previous PSL season as well.

I’ve always expected Shafique to be an all format player for Pakistan and his performance this season is no surprise.

 

[Firebat]

We are starting to see the reasons why his Pakistan debut was in a T20.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I think you confused the obdurate version of Shafique playing per a specific plan in test cricket with the version we see here in T20.

He’s always had the shotmaking and talent and we saw glimpses of it in the previous PSL season as well.

I’ve always expected Shafique to be an all format player for Pakistan and his performance this season is no surprise.

Respectfully disagree here. I watched Abdullah play in that National T20 competition a few years ago, where he got a century on debut for CP and was subsequently called up for Pakistan.

This version is a lot more brazen and gung ho. He seems to be playing w/ a clearer mind. He also thrives in the LQ changing room, where clearly there’s a lot more belief in his abilities.

 

[hitthestump]

He is an example to Babar, that you don’t need to be a Tulley baaz to play in the middle order. When Abdullah first started in the PSL, he has a slower s/r than Babar. So, if Abdullah can do it at No.3, why can’t Bobby do it at No.4?

Babar has been very comfortable for a long time being the undisputed king of batting in Pakistan. Finally (!) we have some youngsters hot on his heels, in t20's at least.

It's simple now for Babar. He needs to quickly adjust or stay the same and be usurped. If his aggression can't increase then someone else's will. This is only good for Pakistan cricket.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Proper basics and making run making look quite easy. He should have a good all round career hopefully. Just hoping he doesn't stumble too much when it comes to different formats cause he has the game to succeed in all three.

 

[ArabKnight]

He’s a rightie who plays legside. Not a unique player. He can be easily found out by international teams. I like that he is a back foot batter.

 

[VForVendetta]

So twice in a row the guy has batted like a proper modern day batter should. So why does he bat like pre world war batsmen in test matches when he has so much in arsenal? Why doesn't he show this confidence & intent there? What's hindering him, is it the deep rooted backward culture of Pak cricket? Or instructions from his captain/coach to bat like a "proper" test opener? I see him with guys like Harris,Azam,Ayub & I feel Pak has finally found some cracking talents to compete with top level teams. But then I see how another guy named Haider is on the verse of ruin & suddenly I remember this is Pak cricket at the end of the day who are still stuck with 92 template. He needs to look at the lights of Gill/ Brook & realize that's where modern batting is going. Not the horrendous Azhar/Pujara prototype he has turned out to be so far in international arena. Then again if Babar/Saqlain force him to adopt this timid approach can't blame the guy.

 

[shamaan]

He is an example to Babar, that you don’t need to be a Tulley baaz to play in the middle order. When Abdullah first started in the PSL, he has a slower s/r than Babar. So, if Abdullah can do it at No.3, why can’t Bobby do it at No.4?

Abdullah keeps his shape while trying to hit and I have seen multiple times when Abdullah has come dowwn the pitch to the spinners and went for six.
Babar just simply doesn't have the power game but is more pleasing on the eye and I will not play Rizwan,Abdullah and Babar in the same t20 xi.

 

[shamaan]

I would like to see Abdullah learn how to sweep the ball.

 

[Savak]

I would like to see Abdullah learn how to sweep the ball.

I did see him play a sweep shot of Shadab

 

[shamaan]

I did see him play a sweep shot of Shadab

Fair enough I haven't seen him play it

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

So twice in a row the guy has batted like a proper modern day batter should. So why does he bat like pre world war batsmen in test matches when he has so much in arsenal? Why doesn't he show this confidence & intent there? What's hindering him, is it the deep rooted backward culture of Pak cricket? Or instructions from his captain/coach to bat like a "proper" test opener? I see him with guys like Harris,Azam,Ayub & I feel Pak has finally found some cracking talents to compete with top level teams. But then I see how another guy named Haider is on the verse of ruin & suddenly I remember this is Pak cricket at the end of the day who are still stuck with 92 template. He needs to look at the lights of Gill/ Brook & realize that's where modern batting is going. Not the horrendous Azhar/Pujara prototype he has turned out to be so far in international arena. Then again if Babar/Saqlain force him to adopt this timid approach can't blame the guy.

Its because PSL is a low quality tournament and international cricket is another level.

 

[VForVendetta]

Its because PSL is a low quality tournament and international cricket is another level.

That doesn't excuse his pathetic gutless approach in intnl. arena so far.He clearly has the ability, but somehow hasn't shown the intent. It's not like he tried to play aggressively & failed. So what's the harm in trying when he has that ability? One thing is certain, if he continues to play with this timid ultra defensive method he won't go a long way.Modern cricket is extremely unforgiving for such players.

 

[Mamoon]

That doesn't excuse his pathetic gutless approach in intnl. arena so far.He clearly has the ability, but somehow hasn't shown the intent. It's not like he tried to play aggressively & failed. So what's the harm in trying when he has that ability? One thing is certain, if he continues to play with this timid ultra defensive method he won't go a long way.Modern cricket is extremely unforgiving for such players.

He is obviously scared of getting out cheaply in Test cricket and losing his place in the team. Or it could be management instructions to play defensively.

Either way, he needs to change the way he plays in international cricket and improve fast. The last thing Pakistan needs is a clone of Azhar/Shafiq which is what he has proved to be so far.

 

[PakEngFan]

He is obviously scared of getting out cheaply in Test cricket and losing his place in the team. Or it could be management instructions to play defensively.

Either way, he needs to change the way he plays in international cricket and improve fast. The last thing Pakistan needs is a clone of Azhar/Shafiq which is what he has proved to be so far.

The knock he played against Sri Lanka is a knock which Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali won’t even play in their wildest dreams.

 

[MenInG]

If Abdullah can do this consistently, then he will become difficult to drop

 

[Saj]

Abdullah Shafique is so good to watch. Whatever the format, he makes batting look so easy. His scores so far at PSL 8 - 75, 45, 15 and 48 with a strike-rate of 160.52

Really is an all format and special player.

 

[ChTab]

Should replace Babar in T20I's. He can play the accumulator & the aggressor role equally good, so no need for passengers like Babar in the team.

 

[Saj]

Abdullah Shafique today:

42 off 33 balls
65 off 40 balls

23 runs from the last 7 balls he faced

 

[ElRaja]

made it count in a crunch game when a few others in the top order went missing.

hes no where near the finished article, but his combination of mental, technical and physical competencies give him a solid base to develop off of should he continue to work hard.

 

[Fenrir]

Should replace Babar in T20I's. He can play the accumulator & the aggressor role equally good, so no need for passengers like Babar in the team.

I don’t know why everyone is against Babar.He will be an asset for any team.May be he should bat lower.Every team needs one good batsman to steady the innings when wickets start falling.England has big hitters but they were white washed by Bangladesh because a lot of them can’t defend well.

 

[Rana]

Decent number 3

Any day at number 3 over Fakhar and Shan who Pakistan have to make shift into that position because Babar won’t do it himself

 

[gazza619]

He reminds me of Kohli the way he approaches his innings.

 

[Third Man]

He reminds me of Kohli the way he approaches his innings.

Yes. The lad has definitely studied Kohli and learned from him. Hope he's learned from his work ethic as well and continues to work on his game, which he seems to be doing so far.

 

[topspin]

Decent number 3

Any day at number 3 over Fakhar and Shan who Pakistan have to make shift into that position because Babar won’t do it himself

I agree. I'd take him over Fakhar at 3 with Saim Ayub and Muhammad Haris to open for Pakistan.

Fakhar should be in the squad as a reserve to cover any of the top 3 if they're unavailable.

 

[Rana]

I agree. I'd take him over Fakhar at 3 with Saim Ayub and Muhammad Haris to open for Pakistan.

Fakhar should be in the squad as a reserve to cover any of the top 3 if they're unavailable.

Knowing Babar era Pakistan, every promising opener will bat at 3 and 4 whilst Babar and Rizwan open

 

[topspin]

Knowing Babar era Pakistan, every promising opener will bat at 3 and 4 whilst Babar and Rizwan open

If you can't handle your competition, destroy them!

 

[Cric1234]

He reminds me of Kohli the way he approaches his innings.

Looked hopeless batting second in the PSL which was the opposite of Kohli but was decent batting first still a long way to go in tests I expect a decline in average once he plays on more bowler friendly wickets.

 

[Titan24]

He has hopefully turned a page in his whiteball career with PSL 8. His intent, building of innings and array of strokes this season were evidence of the work he has put in behind the scenes. He was asked to play in the middle order mainly this season and he adapted it with ease with his current stroke range. Game against spin still has roam for improvement but, with his current attitude to constantly improve he should get there.

 

[Caved12]

He has hopefully turned a page in his whiteball career with PSL 8. His intent, building of innings and array of strokes this season were evidence of the work he has put in behind the scenes. He was asked to play in the middle order mainly this season and he adapted it with ease with his current stroke range. Game against spin still has roam for improvement but, with his current attitude to constantly improve he should get there.

Guys like Shafique will never fail as he works 24/7 on his game and never take it easy. It was hilarious how posters were suggesting that he is only good for test cricket.

 

[Xoib]

I am more worried at his poor test run being a good white ball batsman is no big deal.
I think there is a 50 averaging test batsman in him if he works on his game.

 

[MenInG]

Leicestershire have suffered a seismic blow just weeks before the start of the new county season after a deal to sign Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique collapsed at the 11th hour.

The 23-year-old had agreed to play the first six Couty Championship fixtures before being replaced by India's Ajinkya Rahane for the remaining 12 and the Royal London Cup.

A deal between the Grace Road side and Shafique was agreed upon months ago but an announcement to confirm his arrival was called off less than two hours prior.

The right-handed Sialkot-native shone for Pakistan Super League winners Lahore Qalandars, scoring 268 runs at a strike rate of 144.08 in 10 matches, signing off with a top-scorer of 65 in the final against Multan Sultans.

His form saw him called up for the T20Is against Afghanistan, in the absence of the rested Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman.

Head coach Paul Nixon has been left high and dry just weeks before the new season (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Shafique, a staple of the Pakistan top-order in Test cricket having scored 992 runs in 12 Tests, has rarely been deployed in white-ball internationals in recent years. He wasn't part of the T20 World Cup squad and is considered an outsider for selection for the ODI tournament later in the year in during October and November

He has played just a single ODI and three T20Is since his debut in 2020, with the top order dominated by Fakhar, Imam-ul-Haq, captain Babar and Rizwan.

But The Cricketer understands that he is expected to keep his place in the squad for the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand in April and May.

The T20Is are scheduled to be staged between April 13-23 before the 50-over matches take centre stage between April 26-May 7.

At best, it would leave Shafique available to play just two Championship matches - Sussex and Worcestershire - leaving head coach Paul Nixon and director of cricket Claude Henderson to pursue alternative options.

"We have to cover ourselves," Nixon told The Cricketer. "He's played so well in the PSL we are having to look elsewhere."

TheCricketer

 

[shamaan]

Guys like Shafique will never fail as he works 24/7 on his game and never take it easy. It was hilarious how posters were suggesting that he is only good for test cricket.

He can be played in t20s but that's if Rizwan and Babar are not in the xi however definitely should be in the odi xi.

 

[pillionrider]

A seriously memorable moment from Pakistan's disastrous performance today

 

[SpiritOf1903]

A seriously memorable moment from Pakistan's disastrous performance today

Thought you meant that model.

Sumptuous shot. So much promise before BCCI triggered the underground pitch deteriorater

 

[pillionrider]

Thought you meant that model.

Tamanna Bhatia for those inclined to scholarly research.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Tamanna Bhatia for those inclined to scholarly research.

Mid

 

[sweep_shot]

He is good. He should be persisted with.

One of the reasons why Pakistan won against SL was him. His partnership with Rizwan was very good.

 

[Syed1]

Mid

Just did my research, I disagree with the mid rating

 

[Sunzi]

He looks a good bat. Someone I could get behind.

I've seen equal amounts of him and Saud for example and there is a clear distinction between the two of them. Abdullah is without doubt a superior player to me and seemingly has the attributes to play at this level. I hope he can build and progress rather than secure his spot and regress, contributing the odd innings every so often, as is commonplace with Pak bats.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Not making the most of this easy series vs Bangladeshis.

Tougher opponents await him.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Overaged and not as talented as many think. Should still be persisted with because replacements are few and far between