Who is Salman Mirza? [Source: @dhillow_/x.com]
Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series provides a great chance for both sides to test their bench strengths ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in India. The two teams have nothing to lose, and as a result, Pakistan decided to experiment in the first T20I against the Tigers by unleashing their secret weapon.
Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain, gave a debut cap to the 31-year-old, Salman Mirza, as the left-arm seamer has made a name for himself in the domestic circuit and the Men in Green would hope that he wreaks havoc against the hosts.
Who is Salman Mirza, the likely Shaheen replacement?
Ever since Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's premium pacer, failed to deliver the goods in the Champions Trophy, he has been sidelined by the selectors for white-ball cricket. The fast bowler has been a pale shadow of his former self and selectors wanted fresh faces in the side, and hence, Salman Mirza was picked.
Just like Shaheen, Mirza is also a left-arm bowler and has the knack of bringing the ball back into the right-handers. He can swing the ball both ways, and fans compared him with Shaheen, who has the same ability. The pacer operates at a good pace and could cause trouble to the Bangladesh batters at the top, and hence, he could be a long-term replacement of Shaheen.
Salman Mirza stats in T20 cricket
So far, Mirza has featured in 23 T20 matches for his domestic team and the seamer has been outstanding, picking up 39 wickets, at an average of 14.74, which showcases his ability to deliver in the game's shortest format.
Interestingly, in 23 matches, he already has 3 four-wicket hauls, which justifies why Pakistan rate him so highly and why he was handed the debut cap for the first T20I.