Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is in top form with the ball in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, playing for Colombo Strikers. After facing immense pressure due to a wicketless T20 World Cup, Shadab has rebounded spectacularly, emerging as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets in six games, averaging 8.64.
On Sunday, Shadab achieved his best figures of the tournament against Jaffna Kings, taking 4/10 and earning his second Player of the Match award.
He was close to a hat-trick after dismissing Avishka Fernando and Fabien Allen, but Vijayakanth Viyaskanth survived due to a review. Shadab believed it was out, saying, “I think that was out, think it was a technology problem.”
“The pitch was a bit slower, but we just had to stick to our plans. The pitch is definitely helping the spinners, especially when bowling in good areas. I struggled in the last three months, but that’s the beauty of cricket. Suddenly you start performing, and hopefully, that continues with Pakistan as well,” he further added.
Earlier this month, Shadab took a hat-trick on his LPL debut. He dismissed Kandy Falcons’ captain Wanindu Hasaranga, Salman Ali Agha, and Pavan Rathnayake, finishing with figures of 4/22.
Shadab’s return to form is a positive sign for both him and the Pakistan cricket team.
