Pakistan's Trump Card - Shadab Khan

Shadab in action against the Dutch

The Pakistan team will be eager to leave a mark in Asia Cup 2022. Given their performance in the latest installments of the tournament, we can consider that the Men in Green will have to punch above their weight to see themselves in the summit clash of the tournament. 

While the squad looks more or less balanced, the biggest X-factor for the team in the tournament can turn out to be the all-rounder, Shadab Khan. Shadab has already proved himself in the international arena as a bowler. But he has displayed amazing batting prowess in the latest edition of the PSL and that might turn out to be a big boost for the Pakistan team in the tournament. 

Shadab Khan, the dynamic all-rounder

First, let us get a glimpse of Shadab’s T20I bowling record. 

The responsibilities on Shadab will be very big. He will be entrusted with the duty of bowling in the middle overs. This will be a tricky job as a T20 match is mostly decided during this phase, he will have to pick up wickets and also restrict the scoring rate of the opposition during the phase.

Shadab, the middle over bowler

How good is Shadab as a bowler in the middle overs?

His bowling records in the middle overs in 2021 will give us an idea.

Shadab Khan, expected role

Now, his duty in batting will be to provide strong finishes. Let us try and find out how competent he is in that job.

We will take a look at Shadab’s strike rate in the death overs in T20Is in the recent past.

Shadab Khan's batting Strike Rate in Death Overs

The records give us an idea that Shadab Khan will be a very important cog in Pakistan’s plans for the tournament. If he executes his role to perfection, Shadab will provide Pakistan with extra flexibility, dynamism, and solidity.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Five players to watch out for