Shadab Khan - The X-Factor of Pakistan

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Shadab Khan’s contribution to the Pakistan WC22 campaign

Before making it to the final of the T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan was on the brink of exit before the knockout round. But for one team member, Shadab Khan, it was a tournament to remember as he excelled in all the departments – bowling batting and fielding.

Khan smashed a fiery 22-ball 52 and bowling figures of 2-16 during his man-of-the-match performance against South Africa to help Pakistan to back in the tournament.

He was the standout bowler for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022. In seven matches, the leggie picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.34 with an excellent average of 15.00. He was nominated for player of the tournament as well.

Also Read: The 20 Potential Pakistani players for ODI World Cup 2023 Squad

Best bowling economy in the T20 WC

The Pakistani bowling lineup literally rules this World Cup bowling. He is the best in the world for many reasons. He has taken 11 wickets with an average of just 15 and an economy of under 7. He is the best spinner in the tournament and 3rd best for Pakistan in terms of economy rate.

Best bowling economy rates in this ICC T20 WC22 (minimum 150 balls):

6.15 – Shaheen Shah Afridi
6.23 – Naseem Shah
6.34 – Shadab Khan

Highest Wicket-taker of Pakistan

By taking the wicket of Harry Brook in the final against England, Shadab moved past Shahid Afridi as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the T20Is with a tally of 98 wickets. Earlier this year in February, Khan became the leading wicket-taking spinner in the history of PSL.

Next T20 Captain of Pakistan

The X-Factor of Pakistan, contribute so well in bowling, batting and fielding, apart from that he claims the vice-captaincy of Pakistan.

With Babar Azam’s captaincy tactics came heavy criticism and many former cricketers believe Khan could be a candidate to take over, at least in the T20 format. The leggie captained the sides in the Pakistan Super League and Caribbean Premier League.

Shadab’s tactical flexibility and game awareness as captain was appreciated by many former cricketers when he captained Islamabad United in the PSL.

Unique Records of Shahadb Khan

Second-fastest fifty by a Pakistani batter in the history of the T20 world Cup in just 20 balls.
Second-highest batter in Pakistan in terms of batting strikes at 143.80 in T20I.
Since 2020, he’s one of the three players in all T20s to have scored over 1000 runs and taken 100 wickets.
Only player alongside Mohammad Nabi to have at least 10 scores of 30+ at a strike rate above 150.
At least 10 innings, where he has bowled his full quota of four overs and conceded less than six runs per over.