Asia Cup 2022: Shadab Khan hails Naseem Shah's heroics with the bat

Naseem Shah (PC: Twitter)

Shadab Khan has heaped praise on Naseem Shah, who helped Pakistan to storm into the Asia Cup 2022 Finals with his exploits in the final over against Afghanistan on Thursday at Sharjah. 

Batting first, Afghanistan posted 129 runs on the board, with the top contribution of 35 from Ibrahim Zadran. 

In response, Pakistan had a dismal start, but the duo of Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab (36) resurrected the team's innings. Then, the Babar Azam-led side required 11 off six balls, with only one wicket in hand. 

Shah, who has been sensational with the ball, hit a maximum off Fazalhaq Farooqi's full toss towards the long-off region. The 19-year-old fancied his chances against another failed yorker attempt off Farooqi, which resulted in another six, which helped Pakistan to reach the Finals. 

In the post-match press conference, Shadab revealed that they trusted Naseem to deliver, owing to the team management laying a strategy to inculcate the six-hitting capabilities among the bowlers. 

“We were confident that our bowlers could bat. Because they were batting for long, management had given them a role because you can need your bowlers to deliver with the bat sometimes. Naseem will remember these two sixes for the rest of his career,” said Shadab. 

I can't watch but can play nail-biting matches: Shadab Khan

The 23-year-old thinks almost all the Asia Cup 2022 games have gone down to the wire, which has kept audience in adrenaline rush. Furthermore, he added that it is easy being a part of the game in close matches, rather than watching it on a TV. 

“I talked to [Mohammad] Nabi bhai, all have been thrilling matches.  We are being cruel to the fans, as there are chances of heart attack after watching such matches. [laughs]

"I am more comfortable while playing such matches than watching them,” said Shadab.

Read more: Asif Ali and Fareed Ahmad engage in ugly on-field altercation during PAK vs AFG clash