Babar names Shadab as his T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament
He has claimed 10 wickets in the event so far
KARACHI: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has named all-rounder Shadab Khan as his Player of the Tournament during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022.
Shadab is currently the joint highest wicket-taker, along with Shaheen Afridi, for Pakistan in the event with 10 wickets.
The leg-spinner is also among nine exceptional performers which have been nominated for the Player of the Tournament award by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"I think it should be Shadab Khan for the way he is playing," Babar was quoted as saying on the official ICC website.
"While his bowling has been outstanding, his batting also improved quite a bit. His dominating performances in the last three games along with his outstanding fielding makes him a prime contender for the Player of the Tournament."
Starring with both bat and ball, the 24-year-old all-rounder helped energise Pakistan´s flagging campaign when all seemed lost.
After last-ball defeats to India and Zimbabwe, Shadab pulled them back from the brink with three wickets against the Netherlands for their first win.
He then turned up with a fiery 22-ball 52 and bowling figures of 2-16 during his player-of-the-match performance against South Africa.
Meanwhile, England skipper Jos Buttler named India’s flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav as his pick for the award.
"I think Suryakumar Yadav for me has been someone who's played with extreme freedom. He's been incredibly eye-catching to watch in such a star-studded line-up. To stand out the way he has is amazing,” said Buttler.
"Of course there's a couple of our guys on that sheet as well — Sam Curran and Alex Hales. If they put in a great performance in the final, they can be the Player of the Tournament for me," he added.
It must be noted that the final of the T20 World Cup will be played between Pakistan and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, November 13.
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