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Muhammad Shehzad, 17, has been selected for Pakistan’s campaign for the 2022 U19 World Cup, keeping in mind his batting ability. The youngster entered the tournament as one of Pakistan’s starting batsmen after his impressive performance in the U19 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But Young Turk is much more than meets the eye.
Shehzad isn’t just a handy mid-ranger, though he only managed 2.1 goals for Pakistan’s U19s before the start of the ongoing multi-nation tournament in the West Indies. Pakistan may have just unearthed a talented bowler in Shehzad after a 6.4-3-7-5 draw against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Seamen on Saturday, January 22.
Muhammad Shehzad 6.4 overs, 3 maidens, 5 wickets, 7 today.
Surprisingly, before today, he had only scored 2.1 goals in his Pakistan Under-19 career.#U19CWC #cricket
– Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) January 22, 2022
His bowling spell helped Pakistan bowl Papua New Guinea to 50 before the Green Boys won by nine wickets. Over the past few years, some Pakistani walkers, including Shaheen Afridi, Nassim Shah, Muhammad Musa et al were on the list when they were in their teens. Shehzad was far away, but he wasn’t going the wrong way.
The Rise of Mohammad Sheikhzad
Born in Dragaz Khan on February 5, 2004, Shehzad had to give up his education at the age of 9 to pursue his passion for cricket. The death of his father when he was young did not divert his focus from the game. 2015 was a pivotal year in Shehzad’s career as he got his first taste of the hardball.
Three years later, in 2018, the young prodigy moved to Lahore and the following year he was selected to represent Pakistan U16s in a series against Australia U16s. Despite his faltering in the one-day match, Shehzad scored 73 for Pakistan’s six-wicket victory in their only T20I.
He has since excelled in ODIs and a three-day tie against Bangladesh U16s, where he scored 198 in all formats. Shehzad caught the attention of U19 head coach Ijaz Ahmed, also a former national cricketer, ahead of the World Cup.
Babar, Stokes are Sheikhzad’s favourites
Shehzad draws inspiration from Pakistani full-form captain Babar Azam, for the past six years, he has been a revelation for the man in green. Shehzad also admires England all-rounder Ben Stokes and 1992 World Cup winner Pakistan captain Imran Khan.
At the age of 17, Shehzad said he could maintain a speed of 130 km/h all the time, and he hopes to continue to work hard to improve his speed. He has made his goals clear and wants to represent Pakistan at the highest level when talking about his admiration for Test cricket.
The Pakistan national team has Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat as their bowling all-rounders, and Shehzad may have been a prospect for the future. From top scoring to picking up wickets, all eyes will be on Shehzad as his career progresses.
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