‘Need Impactful Innings’ – Shadab Khan Targets Babar Azam Over Batting Strategy Against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan has opposed his captain Babar Azam’s perspective on the mindset and approach required for T20 cricket.

Shadab Khan, following Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand in the 3rd T20I, stated that he always felt a score of about 200 runs is a good target at a venue like Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam remarked in a press conference that the team batted well against New Zealand and he considers 180 to be the par score at that venue.

With a blistering 41 runs off just 20 balls, Shadab Khan helped Pakistan post a respectable total of 178 runs in their 20 overs. Here’s what he said in the post-match conference:

“On the Pindi pitch, it’s difficult to contain runs. I think we could have made 200 here, after the kind of start we got. In the middle overs, they bowled well, but I think we could have utilized them better.”

Shadab Khan Reveals His Ideal Batting Position

Regarding his batting position, Shadab Khan mentioned that he has even batted one down in the Pakistan Super League. He’s eager to take any role the team assigns him because, for him, T20 cricket isn’t just about making runs—it’s about making impactful runs that benefit the team.

“I have played one-down and two-down in the PSL and that’s where I think I am most comfortable. But I’m also fine with being used as a floater. If I get a chance, the planning will be the same – I’m the sort of player who will look to make quick runs.”

“Sometimes, you need impactful innings, especially in T20 cricket nowadays. Making runs consistently in T20 cricket isn’t difficult, but playing impactful innings is difficult.”

The five-match T20 series is currently tied at 1-1, with two games remaining. It’s worth noting that the first game of the series was washed out.