Pakistan's World Cup campaign kicked off with a remarkable 81-run triumph against the Netherlands. During the match, Pakistan, known as the "Men in Green," achieved a competitive total of 286 runs in 49 overs, with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan each contributing 68 runs, showcasing outstanding performances.
In the subsequent innings, Pakistan effectively dismissed their opponents for 205 runs in 41 overs. Despite the victory, Hafeez described it as "scrappy" rather than convincing. He recognized Saud Shakeel's pivotal role in rescuing the team when they encountered difficulties after losing three early wickets.
Hafeez commented, “Saud Shakeel played a crucial role in rescuing our innings during a challenging phase when we lost three early wickets. His solid technique and gritty performance deserve immense credit for handling the pressure admirably.”
Highlighting Shakeel's unexpected ascent, Hafeez emphasized that just two months ago, Saud Shakeel wasn't even part of the team management's ODI plans.
He concluded, “He wasn't even in the team management's radar for ODIs two months ago. I've spent time with him in the dressing room, and I've witnessed his passion for the game and his determination to prove his critics wrong.”