Shadab Khan ends ODI wicket drought with two strikes against Australia

LAHORE: Pakistan's experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan on Thursday ended his wicket drought with two strikes against Australia in the home series decider, underway here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Shadab, who made his comeback to the Pakistan ODI side after a two-year absence, last picked up a wicket in the format during the former champions' ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka in October 2023.

The all-rounder played three more matches in the mega event but remained wicketless, while not bowling against South Africa and after Pakistan's league-stage exit from the World Cup, was left out of the Green Shirts' ODI setup until eventually returning in the opening fixture of the ongoing series against Australia.

Following his return, the 27-year-old also remained wicketless in the first two fixtures against Australia and collectively conceded 110 runs in 17 overs.

He ultimately ended his ODI wicket drought in the 35th over of Australia's innings in the ongoing fixture by dismissing all-rounder Oliver Peake with a fuller delivery, which spun sharply upon pitching and thudded into the left-handed batter's bat after taking a faint edge of the bat and lobbed up for a simple catch for wicketkeeper batter Ghazi Ghori.

Shadab Khan struck again in the 42nd over as he cleaned up Adam Zampa with a length delivery that stayed low and eventually ended up with economical bowling figures of 2/28 in his nine overs.

Notably, his bowling exploits helped Pakistan bowl out Australia for a meagre 157 in 42 overs despite a valiant half-century by their captain, Josh Inglis, who top-scored with 65 off 71 deliveries with the help of eight fours and a six.