Shadab Out Of Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad? Abrar Impresses With A Clinical Spell

Abrar Ahmed was impressive against Zimbabwe [Source: @CricWick/X]Abrar Ahmed was impressive against Zimbabwe [Source: @CricWick/X]

Pakistan's young spinner Abrar Ahmed had a memorable outing with the ball, as he dismantled Zimbabwe's batting unit with a sensational four-wicket haul in the ongoing second ODI at Queens Sports Club Bulawayo. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan were magnificent with the ball, with Abrar's brilliant spell helping them bowl the Chevrons out for a paltry 145-run total. 

Abrar Ahmed Runs Through Zimbabwe's Batting Lineup

After Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine won the toss and opted to bat first, his decision backfired on the hosts, as Pakistani spinners ran riot on Bulawayo's bowling-friendly surface. Rizwan's deputy, Agha Salman, once again bagged three wickets, while ODI debutant Abrar Ahmed dismantled the hosts with a four-fer. 

The mystery spinner began his onslaught on the hosts by castling Joylord Gumbie before getting prized scalps of Brian Bennet, Brandon Mavuta and Richard Ngarava. His prolific spell restricted the visitors to a paltry total, as Pakistan made a remarkable turnaround in the series. 

Abrar's Magnificent Debut To Shut Doors For Shadab Khan?

Pakistan's premier leg-spinner Shadab Khan lost his place from the ODI team following his inconsistent returns for the national side. However, Abrar grabbed the opportunity with both hands, derailing the Chevrons with an outstanding bowling spell on his maiden ODI appearance. 

Being a mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed brings immense value to the table and can strengthen Pakistan's ODI bowling attack. While Shadab received massive backlash for his lacklustre line and length, Abrar's knack for keeping the ball within the stumps makes him a deadly customer on the subcontinent's low-bounce tracks. 

So, considering the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan, Pakistan might consider giving Abrar a long rope, while ignoring Shadab Khan in their upcoming ODI matches.