Naseem Shah, bright star of Pakistan cricket

The craze for cricket runs in every Pakistani’s blood. Each and every Pakistani street has witnessed different generations rejoicing over their love for the game.

Cricket is something that unites the entire nation. In the world of cricket, Pakistan is called the land of pacers. In cricket history, Pakistan has produced a number of great pacers, which include Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Shoaib Akhter and many more. Pakistan continues to produce stars in cricket. The newest star, Naseem Shah, who took an incredible hat-trick against Bangladesh in the first test, is currently winning hearts. 

Naseem Shah and his journey

Naseem Shah, born in Lower Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is 16-years old and bowls like the wind. He made his first-class debut for Zarai Taraqiati Bank in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on September 1, 2018. He made his List-A career debut for the same in Quaid-e-Azam ODI Cup on October 16, 2018. Naseem Shah was named as one of the six players to watch ahead of National T20 Cup 2019-20. Interestingly, he has played only seven first-class matches in which he has scalped 27 wickets.

Naseem Shah’s talent brings him to Pakistan’s National Team. The pacer made his international test debut against Australia. Naseem Shah became the youngest player to make Test debut in Australia and third-youngest fast bowler to debut in test cricket. He also became the ninth youngest debutant in Test cricket. He was given his Test cap in an emotional ceremony by Waqar Younis. He kissed the cap, hugged his teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi and then wiped off his tears. In his debut match against Australia, Naseem Shah bowled a fiery spell and removed the set batsman, David Warner.

Under-19 and National Team

Pakistan Cricket Board announced that Naseem Shah will play the Under-19 cricket World Cup. However, national team head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have some other plans regarding their young pacer. Both the officials forced the board to change the decision and removed the name of Naseem Shah from the Under-19 world cup. As a result, PCB suddenly announced that the young fast bowler would not be participating in the U-19 World Cup and was subsequently added to the visiting Australia team, where he received a good reputation.

Shocking news at Debut tour

Unfortunate news came from Pakistan for Naseem Shah in his debut series that his mother passed away. The young fast bowler decided to stay with the team in Australia despite the untimely demise of his mother.

Naseem Shah’s so far performance

Naseem Shah in his 4 test matches has taken 13 wickets in which he has taken a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Karachi. Naseem Shah also became the second youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul. He has also taken a hat-trick against Bangladesh and became the youngest to do so. According to PCB, Naseem Shah is currently the fastest bowler in the squad.

Naseem Shah – an asset

The duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah has revived the memories of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. After the retirement of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz from Test cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have a golden opportunity to convince the PCB and their fans. Naseem Shah is an asset of national cricket. Now, we have to see how the Pakistan Cricket Board will use their speed-gun against the rivals.