Pakistan’s top-order batter, Abdullah Shafique, is focused on making a strong comeback in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting on 29 March.
Speaking about his past performances, Shafique admitted that he has learned valuable lessons from previous matches.
“I didn’t perform well in some of my recent games, but I have taken a lot of lessons from those experiences,” he admitted.
On the ongoing debate about player specialization, Shafique stressed the importance of adaptability across formats.
“Tagging a player as a red-ball or white-ball specialist isn’t fair. A cricketer should be able to play all formats,” he stated.
Shafiq, who was out of sorts in the South Africa series, played at the end of last year, emphasized the challenges of playing in New Zealand conditions and expressed confidence in his preparation.
“New Zealand’s conditions have always been difficult for Pakistan. I will try my best to perform well and contribute to the team’s success,” Shafique said.
Reflecting on his return to the national squad, the right-hander credited domestic cricket for improving his game.
“Playing domestic matches has helped me a lot. I feel in good form and will look to capitalize on it in this series,” he added.
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Shafique also acknowledged Babar Azam’s recent praise and considered it an honor to receive encouragement from a top-class batter.
“Babar’s words mean a lot to me. I hope to live up to his expectations and perform to the best of my abilities,” he stated.
While discussing New Zealand’s squad, he stressed that they are a formidable opponent and should not be taken lightly.
“New Zealand is never an easy team to face. They have young and talented players, and we aim to put up a strong fight,” he said.
Addressing criticism, Shafique maintained that he tries to focus on his game and ignore unnecessary distractions.
“Criticism is part of cricket. It should be taken positively. A lot is said, but I prefer to focus on my performance,” he remarked.
The 25-year-old also backed injured batter Saim Ayub and wished him success.
“Saim is an excellent player and a great asset for Pakistan. I wish him the best of luck,” he said.
Lastly, he highlighted the growing importance of strike rate in modern-day cricket.
“In white-ball cricket, maintaining a good strike rate is crucial. It plays a big role in a team’s success,” he concluded.
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