Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed confidence in the national side’s direction after their dominant victory over Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The convincing 102-run win in Colombo secured Pakistan’s place in the Super Eight stage, keeping their World Cup ambitions firmly alive.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shadab responded to recent criticism from former players and analysts. He stated that while legends are entitled to their opinions, the current team has achieved milestones that previous generations could not, including Pakistan’s historic win over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. According to him, the team remains focused on its long-term process rather than outside noise.
Pakistan began their campaign strongly with victories over the Netherlands and the United States. However, a disappointing defeat against India triggered widespread debate about the performance of senior players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab himself. Former stars, including Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi, suggested that the team should consider giving opportunities to younger players.
Shadab admitted that the team made mistakes in the India match and believed it was a game Pakistan could have won. Despite that setback, he emphasized that the squad is on the right track and improving with every match. He highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency, particularly in batting, and praised Sahibzada Farhan for his strong form.
Looking ahead, Pakistan face a tough challenge in the Super Eight stage, where they will compete against top teams including New Zealand national cricket team, England cricket team, and Sri Lanka national cricket team. Shadab acknowledged that these matches will be high-pressure encounters but expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.
He concluded by saying that the ultimate goal remains clear: to win the World Cup, and the team will continue trusting its process while moving forward with belief and determination.
