Shadab Khan makes honest admission ahead of South Africa World Cup clash

CHENNAI: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has admitted that his performance has not been up to the mark during the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

While speaking during a press conference on Thursday ahead of Pakistan’s match against South Africa, Shadab said that Pakistan team will try to make a comeback in the tournament after three straight losses.

“I have been fairly criticised since I have not been able to perform well. An all-rounder should do well in all three departments of the game,” Shadab said.

“We know how to get out of bad positions. All matches are do-or-die for us but I’m hopeful that better days will start from tomorrow,” he added.

Shadab has only claimed two wickets in four matches during the tournament. With the bat, he has scored 74 runs in three innings. 

He also admitted that Pakistan’s bowlers have not performed in accordance with expectations, so far, during the event.

“The teams who bowls well will go deep in the tournament. Our bowling has not been up to the mark in the tournament so far. Hopefully, our bowlers will put up a better show in the remaining matches,” he said.

He also brushed aside the notion that there was rift in the Pakistan team.

“Our team is united and we aren’t focusing on what people are saying about us,” he said. “We also don’t follow social media much. It’s better if we stay away from it.”

The Green Shirts will now play South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England – all the games are now must win for them, if they want to qualify for the semis.

Pakistan are currently at the fifth position on the points table with four points after five games.

Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches

October 27 - vs South Africa in Chennai

October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)

November 11 - vs England in Kolkata

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan