Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan credited the team management for maintaining faith in him despite a recent run of poor performances after playing a match-winning innings in Pakistan’s one-wicket victory over England in the ODI tri-series on Sunday.
“Obviously, in the recent past, I did not have such good performances. Criticism was directed at me and, obviously, at the management. Obviously, there was faith. I think they deserve more credit for having faith in me,” Shadab said.
“As a professional, you keep trying to do your best. Unfortunately, I could not do that. But Allah gave me the courage, and He set the stage for me.”
Shadab played a crucial role and his maiden hundred to guide Pakistan to victory, holding his nerve under pressure while batting alongside the tail as the hosts chased down 242 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Reflecting on the moment when he appeared to have edged the ball, only for a review to save him, Shadab said he had believed the match was over.
“I think I was so frustrated because, according to the situation and the way I received the ball, it was a boundary ball and I missed it.”
“To tell you the truth, I did not think it was an edge. I was frustrated that I had missed the boundary and thought the match was over, because you work so hard to reach this stage. Haris had his own frustration, which he took out on me by asking for a review.”
Shadab also praised tail-ender Haris Rauf for his composure during their decisive partnership, saying the fast bowler’s patience and confidence had helped Pakistan cross the finish line.
“To tell you the truth, we did not have any special cricketing plans. We were trying to have fun, and we were having fun. The situation was such that we were going with the flow.”
“I think Haris deserves a lot of credit for the way he played because, obviously, a tail-ender wants to hit a six off every ball. But he had the patience that I wanted,” he said.
“He had belief in himself and was telling me that if I did not get out, he would not get out either,” he was quick to add.
“He had confidence and self-belief. Our last series was also difficult, and we had a long partnership, so I had a lot of confidence in him.”
Shadab said he had remained focused on his plans despite the pressure of the occasion and the reaction of the crowd.
“I honestly don’t hear anything from outside when I am batting. You are in that zone where you are focused on your plans. As far as the crowd is concerned, I couldn’t hear anything. I was in my zone.”
The all-rounder said innings played on major international stages could have a greater impact on a team’s fortunes, drawing a comparison with Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and his remarkable World Cup performance.
“If we talk about Maxwell, he played such an innings in the World Cup, and then the Australian team won the World Cup. I think a lot of things changed for that team because of that innings.”
“Hopefully, if our team plays a series and performs well, that will help. But I think if you play such innings on a bigger stage, the team will benefit more.”
Shadab said his approach was guided by the match situation rather than any particular motivation or anger, adding that batting positions should not prevent players from contributing to the team.
“No, there was no particular motivation or anger.”
“The situation was such that we were struggling. As a senior player, we had to assess the pressure and then play our innings. So, it was a simple plan. Whatever the batting position, I feel that you have a lot of options in ODI cricket. Wherever you bat, you can benefit the team.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Shadab said Pakistan would aim to make the most of the opportunity if selected, while acknowledging the challenge of performing on the biggest stage.
“It’s still a long way off. When we are selected for the World Cup, we will try to play like this,” he signed off.
“We have never played on such a big stage. But if we get the opportunity, we will do our best to win.”
Shadab also credited his family for their support and said he wanted to contribute with both bat and ball whenever the team needed him.
“Obviously, I want to give credit to my family. I want to name them.
“After that, obviously, as I play in an all-rounder team, I expect to contribute in both departments. If I get a chance to bowl, I should bowl well and take wickets when the team needs me. And with the bat, I should perform when the team needs me.”