PAK vs NZ: "Criticism Only After 1 Game..." - Shadab Khan Supports Usama Mir Amid Heavy Criticism

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has come out in support of his fellow teammate Usama Mir after his poor performance in the first T20I against New Zealand. The former vice-captain of the team said that criticising the young bowler after one game isn’t justified. 

Usama Mir had a forgettable outing in the first T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. The leg-spinner looked clueless against the Kiwi batters and was taken to the cleaners. The conditions along with shorter boundaries too didn’t favor him as batters targeted him. 

Usama Mir, who came up with a reputation as an exciting player because of his consistent performances in T20 leagues, looked down with the pressure of international games. He bowled some freebies as well and batters punished him by hitting him all over the park. 

Usama Mir bowled four overs and conceded 51 runs at an economy rate of 12.75 and no wickets. Him struggling with the ball was one of the major reasons behind Pakistan’s failure to stop runs in the middle overs and conceding a big total of 226 runs. 

After Usama Mir’s horrendous outing with the ball, many fans and even experts lashed out at him. They didn’t go easy on him for his bowling performance and raised calls to drop him from the team. 

Amid all the criticism, Shadab Khan has supported Usama Mir. Shadab touted him as a gifted and talented bowler and highlighted that he has made his way into the team on the back of sensational performances. Taking to his X account, he stated: 

“Usama made his debut. He got here after consistent T20 performances in the toughest leagues. Criticism only after 1 game and that too at a difficult ground for spinners is harsh. Usama is gifted and talented enough to bounce back. @iamusamamir best of luck bro, shine bright.” 

Usama made his debut. He got here after consistent T20 performances in the toughest leagues. Criticism only after 1 game and that too at a difficult ground for spinners is harsh. Usama is gifted and talented enough to bounce back. @iamusamamir best of luck bro, shine bright. pic.twitter.com/MN6L4jJjmN

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 13, 2024

PAK vs NZ: Pakistan suffer a disappointing 46-run loss in first T20I; Usama Mir fails to take the wicket 

Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first in the game. They had a great start as Shaheen Afridi removed Devon Conway for a duck. But after that, nothing went their way. New Zealand batters unleashed themselves and took attack to the bowlers. Finn Allen (34), Kane Williamson (57), Daryll Mitchell (61), and Mark Chapman (26) played brutal hands as they posted a total of 226 runs. 

No Pakistan bowler had an economy rate of less than 8. Shaheen Afridi conceded 46 runs, Aamer Jamal gave away 55 and Usama Mir was taken for 51 runs. Only Abbas Afridi looked settled as he picked up three wickets and gave away only 33 runs. 

With the bat, Pakistan batters got starts but they needed someone to play the big hand. Saim Ayub (27)  Mohammad Rizwan (25), Fakhar Zaman (15), and Iftikhar Ahmed (24) couldn’t cash on the momentum and gave way their wickets at crucial junctures. Babar Azam (57) tried to get going and was the only batter who reached 50. 

Pakistan were bundled out for just 180 runs. They will be next seen in action when the second match takes place on 14th January. Usama Mir and the entire team would be hoping to make a comeback and level the series.