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Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has heaped praise on Hasan Nawaz for his sensational knock against India in the 2026 Asian Games final in Nisshin, Japan. At the same time, Shehzad questioned Saim Ayub’s controversial celebration after dismissing 15-year-old Indian star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Nawaz played a stunning knock of 96 runs from just 51 balls and kept Pakistan in the game, but India eventually won by 19 runs to claim the gold medal in Nisshin on Saturday, October 3. Earlier, Pakistan Champions kicked out of WCL 2026 after the PCB denied NOCs.
Ahmed Shehzad hails Hasan Nawaz after his stunning 96 against India
Ahmed Shehzad backed Hasan Nawaz as one of the few Pakistan batters who showed real courage against India after his fearless performance in the gold medal match at the Asian Games 2026. He hailed Nawaz’s talent, technique, and ability to perform under pressure.
He also pointed out that Nawaz performed brilliantly despite batting at No. 6 instead of his usual top-order position. His fearless knock of 96 runs from just 51 balls at a strike rate of 188.24, hitting seven sixes and five boundaries, almost took Pakistan to victory against India.
Kudos to him: Ahmed Shehzad
Ahmed Shehzad said on his YouTube channel, "Only Hasan Nawaz has shown that courage. He has played a fabulous knock. He played his shots across the ground. You did a lot of unfair things to him, but still he came back and showed his potential.”
The former batter further said, "His reach is so long. His back lift is so good. His bat swing is so good. His head positioning is so good. But you have put all these things aside, and you have broken his confidence. Still, he came back and showed the world his potential despite not playing in his place. He is a top-order batsman, and today he again took Pakistan ahead and batted at number six. He has single-handedly taken Pakistan to that position. Kudos to him.”
Ahmad Shahzad about Hassan Nawaz ⭐ https://t.co/DRYON2gbcB
— Ahmad Mustafa ✪ (@iamAhmadMustafa) October 3, 2026
Ahmed Shehzad slams Saim Ayub over controversial gesture to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Shehzad also criticized Saim Ayub for giving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a controversial baby cradle send-off during the gold medal clash, saying he should have let his performance do the talking. India's teenage batting sensation had started aggressively and smashed two sixes before attempting a reverse-sweep against Ayub.
The ball took a faint edge, which was safely taken by the wicketkeeper. As Sooryavanshi walked back, Ayub celebrated by making a baby-cradle gesture, seemingly referring to the youngster’s age and his popular Boss Baby nickname. Amid this, Gurnoor Brar’s throw nearly hits Mohammed Siraj; Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s priceless reaction goes viral.
Look at your performance: Ahmed Shehzad's strong message to Saim Ayub and Pakistan
Shehzad questioned the need for such a celebration and pointed towards Ayub’s own performance in the match. He pointed towards Pakistan’s recent struggles and urged the players to answer their critics with the bat and ball rather than through such celebrations.
He said, “What is the need to gesture like this? Look at your performance. Look at your performance and see what your performance is. Give the answer with the bat and the ball. You are bowling, wearing glasses, and doing this and that. In the last 3-4 months, India has shaken you up. They are not doing such pity things. If they make such gestures to you, you start crying.”
Ahmad Shahzad about Saim Ayub’s Baby Celebration 😡 https://t.co/B2GijCZ02q
— Ahmad Mustafa ✪ (@iamAhmadMustafa) October 3, 2026
