"He’s Going To Be A Better Player Than Babar Azam" - Simon Katich's Bold Prediction For Pakistan Youngster
Published - 15 Dec 2023, 04:35 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:19 AM
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich lauded young Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique during the second of the ongoing Test match in Perth. Simon Katich also predicted that Abdullah Shafique has the potential to become a better player than Babar Azam.
The Pat Cummins-led team posted a formidable total of 487 runs after winning the toss at Optus Stadium. In response, Pakistan opening batters Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq delivered a promising start, forming a solid 74-run partnership in the opening Test in Perth.
Abdullah Shafique Is A Good Young Player – Simon Katich
Simon Katich, while commentating, commended Abdullah Shafique’s aggressive approach against spin, citing a notable shot against Nathan Lyon. Katich expressed his belief that Shafique has the potential to be a better player than Babar Azam.
“He’s a good young player, he’s had a good start to his Test career. What I like about him the most is that he’s aggressive against spin. We have already seen him today hit Nathan Lyon straight over his head, so I like the look of him. I think he’s going to be a better player than Babar Azam,” Katich said.
"He’s a good young player, he’s had a good start to his Test career. What I like about him the most is that he’s aggressive against spin.
"I like the look of him. I think he’s going to be a better player than Babar Azam."
– Simon Katich on Abdullah Shafique #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/MbLW0QqtlK
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 15, 2023
Abdullah Shafique Fails To Capitalize On Opportunity
Abdullah Shafique survived an early reprieve during the 35th over of Pakistan’s innings in the ongoing Test. Marnus Labuschagne, at short leg, gave the ball back to the wicketkeeper as the Pakistan opening batter defended it, momentarily pulling his leg outside the crease.
Despite the confusion, Shafique was well inside the crease when the bails were dislodged. However, his innings was short-lived as Nathan Lyon dismissed him in the next over for 42 runs off 121 deliveries, providing the first breakthrough for Australia with Pakistan at 74/1.
4️⃣9️⃣7️⃣#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/hdRq0r3IX2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2023
Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad.
Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Also read: Watch: Marnus Labuschagne Shattered As Alex Carey Misses Opportunity To Run Out Abdullah Shafique
