Pakistan’s young pace sensation Naseem Shah grabbed headlines with his maiden ODI half-century, but his heroics weren’t enough to save the team from an 84-run defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI in Hamilton. This loss also handed the Black Caps the series victory.
Naseem Shah’s Fighting Knock in a Losing Cause
Pakistan was chasing 281 runs but struggled early as their top order collapsed. At 180-8, the match seemed lost, but Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf put up a strong fight with a 78-run partnership.
Faheem led the charge with an impressive 73-run innings, while Naseem contributed a crucial 51 runs, marking his first-ever half-century in ODIs. Despite their efforts, the team couldn’t cross the finish line, losing another key match in the series.
Pakistan’s Bowling Under Fire
While Naseem impressed with the bat, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled once again. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah failed to contain runs, drawing criticism from former cricketers.
After Pakistan’s poor performances in the Champions Trophy 2025, experts have been questioning the bowling unit’s effectiveness. Naseem responded to the criticism, saying that while feedback is necessary, it should be constructive rather than personal attacks on players.
Why Naseem Shah is a Key Player for Pakistan
At just 21 years old, Naseem Shah is proving to be an important part of Pakistan’s squad. While he is known for his fast bowling, his recent batting performances show he can contribute in multiple ways.
However, Pakistan’s bowling struggles continue to be a concern. The team needs to work on consistency, execution, and adaptability to compete against top sides. Naseem’s growth as a match-winner will be crucial in the coming months.
What’s Next for Naseem Shah & Pakistan?
With the ODI series already lost, Pakistan will aim to regain some pride in the final match. Naseem’s all-around ability makes him an exciting player to watch, and with the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan needs to sharpen its strategies.
Can Naseem become a reliable all-rounder for Pakistan? Will he bounce back with a big bowling performance soon? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🏏🔥
