Pakistan’s World Cup campaign kicked off with a remarkable 81-run triumphagainst the Netherlands. During the match, Pakistan, known as the “Men inGreen,” achieved a competitive total of 286 runs in 49 overs, with SaudShakeel and Mohammad Rizwan each contributing 68 runs, showcasingoutstanding performances.
In the subsequent innings, Pakistan effectively dismissed their opponentsfor 205 runs in 41 overs. Despite the victory, Hafeez described it as”scrappy” rather than convincing. He recognized Saud Shakeel’s pivotal rolein rescuing the team when they encountered difficulties after losing threeearly wickets.
Hafeez commented, “Saud Shakeel played a crucial role in rescuing ourinnings during a challenging phase when we lost three early wickets. Hissolid technique and gritty performance deserve immense credit for handlingthe pressure admirably.”
Highlighting Shakeel’s unexpected ascent, Hafeez emphasized that just twomonths ago, Saud Shakeel wasn’t even part of the team management’s ODIplans.
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He concluded, “He wasn’t even in the team management’s radar for ODIs twomonths ago. I’ve spent time with him in the dressing room, and I’vewitnessed his passion for the game and his determination to prove hiscritics wrong.”