Shadab Khan: A Young Talent Rising in Pakistani Cricket
Shadab Khan, born on October 4, 1998, is a young and talented Pakistani cricketer. He is known for his excellent bowling skills and his ability to score quick runs in the middle order. Shadab made his international debut for Pakistan in 2017 and has since then become a vital member of the team. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Shadab Khan.
Early Life and Career
Shadab Khan was born in Mianwali, a small city in Pakistan. His family was not from a cricketing background, but his interest in the sport started when he was just 10 years old. Shadab’s brother used to play cricket, and he used to accompany him to the local cricket ground to watch him play. This sparked Shadab’s interest in the game, and he started playing cricket with his friends on the streets and fields of Mianwali.
Shadab’s parents were supportive of his interest in cricket, and they encouraged him to pursue the sport. Shadab’s father, who was a businessman, would take him to the cricket ground and watch him play. Shadab’s talent soon caught the attention of the local cricket coaches, and he started playing for the Mianwali cricket team.
Shadab’s performances for the Mianwali team were impressive, and he soon caught the attention of the selectors. In 2016, he was selected to play for the Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He made an immediate impact in the tournament, taking 11 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 6.45.
International Career
Shadab’s performances in the PSL earned him a call-up to the Pakistan national team for the West Indies tour in 2017. He made his debut in the first T20I of the series and took 3 wickets for just 7 runs, helping Pakistan to a comfortable victory. Shadab’s impressive debut earned him a place in the squad for the Champions Trophy in England later that year.
Shadab’s performances in the Champions Trophy were exceptional, and he played a vital role in Pakistan’s triumph in the tournament. He took 8 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 14.62 and an economy rate of 4.14. Shadab’s performances in the tournament earned him the award for the Best Young Player of the tournament.
Since then, Shadab has become a regular member of the Pakistan team in all formats of the game. He has taken 89 wickets in 46 T20Is at an economy rate of 7.01, making him one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. He has also scored 571 runs at a strike rate of 130.19, showing his ability as a batsman.
Shadab’s performances in Test cricket have also been impressive. He has taken 43 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 32.16. His best figures in Test cricket are 4/52, which he took against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Playing Style
Shadab Khan is a leg-spinner who bowls at a brisk pace. He is known for his accuracy and his ability to spin the ball both ways. Shadab’s variations make it difficult for batsmen to read him, and he is capable of taking wickets at crucial stages of the game.
Apart from his bowling, Shadab is also a handy batsman. He can score quick runs in the middle order and has a strike rate of over 130 in T20Is.