Chasing a formidable total of 345 is no mean feat, even in the high-octane world of One Day Internationals. Yet, Pakistan embarked on this intimidating journey, only to find themselves at 37 for 2, with their top-order stalwarts, Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam, back in the dressing room.
What followed was nothing short of cricketing magic. In his tournament debut, Abdullah Shafique stood tall, showcasing his remarkable abilities. Teaming up with the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan, Shafique embarked on a breathtaking 176-run partnership for the third wicket. Shafique’s innings, a masterclass in composure and power-hitting, saw him score 113 runs from 103 deliveries. It was a chanceless performance that left fans and experts in awe.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, known for his express pace and candid commentary, did not hold back his praise for Shafique. He likened the debutant to none other than the national team’s skipper, Babar Azam.
In a YouTube video, Akhtar stated, “Babar Azam could not do well, but Babaz Azam jaisa hume ek aur player mil chuka hai (we’ve found a player just like Babar Azam). His name is Abdullah Shafique, hats off to you. It was a chanceless innings. The wicket was quite easy here (Hyderabad); that’s a given. Had he stayed in the middle, though, the game would’ve been over quite a few overs ago. How comprehensively he plays, and how he asserts himself. I liked him a lot. You cannot ask for a better start for a World Cup debut and a hundred.”
Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, a respected cricketing figure, also acknowledged Shafique’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory. He pointed out the significant changes in the cricketing landscape, particularly the new rule that allows an extra fielder within the 10th to 40th overs during the powerplay. This rule shift played a substantial role in Pakistan’s run-chase strategy.
On A Sports’ post-game show, The Pavilion, Misbah emphasized the importance of Shafique’s performance. “Abdullah Shafique, the Test cricket he’s played, his technique, he displayed all of it. The most important thing, though, was his reading of the game, which we don’t normally associate with our players when they come onto the international scene,” remarked Misbah.
‘If You Want To Win The World Cup, Then You Have To Beat…’, Gautam Gambhir Comes With An Interesting Analysis
Abdullah Shafique’s journey in the world of cricket is noteworthy. He has played 14 Test matches for Pakistan, accumulating 1220 runs, including four centuries and four half-centuries. However, his century during the ODI World Cup 2023 marked a significant milestone in his ODI career.
As cricket enthusiasts continue to revel in the magic created by Shafique, his future in the Pakistani cricketing landscape appears bright. His astute reading of the game and his ability to shoulder the responsibility of a high-pressure run chase has already earned him accolades from cricketing legends and fans alike.
Abdullah Shafique’s sensational debut in the ODI World Cup is a testament to the unrelenting spirit and extraordinary talent that continues to define the world of cricket.
