Islamabad
\nPakistan\u2019s top-order batter Abdullah Shafique is determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin on March 29.
\nReflecting on his recent performances, Shafique acknowledged the lessons learned from past matches and emphasised the need for adaptability across formats.
\n\u201cI didn\u2019t perform well in some of my recent games, but I have learned a lot from those experiences,\u201d Shafique said. \u201cTagging a player as a red-ball or white-ball specialist isn\u2019t fair. A cricketer should be capable of playing all formats.\u201d
\nHaving faced challenges during the South Africa series late last year, Shafique recognised the difficulty of playing in New Zealand but expressed confidence in his preparations.
\n\u201cNew Zealand\u2019s conditions have always been challenging for Pakistan. I will do my best to perform well and contribute to the team\u2019s success,\u201d he said.
\nHe credited domestic cricket for helping him refine his skills and regain form ahead of the series. Shafique also acknowledged praise from Babar Azam, calling it an honour to receive encouragement from a world-class batter.
\n\u201cBabar\u2019s words mean a lot to me. I hope to live up to his expectations and perform to the best of my abilities,\u201d he said.
\nAnalysing New Zealand\u2019s squad, Shafique highlighted their strength and cautioned against underestimating their young talent. \u201cNew Zealand is never an easy team to face. They have young and talented players, and we aim to put up a strong fight,\u201d he said.
\nAddressing criticism, Shafique remained focused on his game and preferred to avoid distractions.
\n\u201cCriticism is part of cricket. It should be taken positively. A lot is said, but I prefer to focus on my performance,\u201d he stated.
\nHe also extended support to injured batter Saim Ayub, wishing him a quick recovery. \u201cSaim is an excellent player and a great asset for Pakistan. I wish him the best of luck,\u201d Shafique said.
\nIn conclusion, he emphasised the importance of strike rate in modern white-ball cricket and its impact on a team\u2019s success.
\n\u201cIn white-ball cricket, maintaining a good strike rate is crucial. It plays a significant role in a team\u2019s success,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad Pakistan\u2019s top-order batter Abdullah Shafique is determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin on March 29. Reflecting on his recent performances, Shafique acknowledged the lessons learned from past matches and emphasised the need for adaptability across formats. \u201cI didn\u2019t perform well in some of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-468213","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n