'Had the confidence to execute the task' Shadab Khan on batting at No.4

All-rounder Shadab Khan had the opportunity to bat at No.4 in the second game of the tri-nation series against New Zealand today and it paid rich dividends as he attacked the bowlers from the start.

The 24-year-old scored 22-ball 34, helping skipper Babar Azam during the chase of 148 - who made an unbeaten 79 to hand Pakistan their second win of the series.

Babar said the idea to promote Shadab and Mohammad Mohammad Nawaz up the order is because both put pressure on the bowlers. 

Previously, Shadab and Nawaz batted up the order in the Asia Cup and Pakistan bagged wins due to their cameos against Afghanistan and India, respectively.

Star performers ⭐⭐#NZvPAK | #NZTriSeries pic.twitter.com/TDH5yutIPp

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2022

"We had the plan to utilize Shadab and Nawaz and send them up the order since we are aware of their ability and the way they execute things," said Babar in a video posted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"Both of them put pressure back on the bowlers which is a key point. So this was our plan since he [Shadab] normally doesn't get to bat a lot. So the idea was to utilise him and how he charged the bowlers, which gave us the momentum."

On the other hand, Shadab expressed that he was waiting for this chance as he has done the same for his Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United.

"Definitely I was looking forward to this opportunity, I have played in the PSL and I had confidence since I had performed over there. My plan is simple which is to put the bowlers under pressure," Shadab said.

"As a professional, you want more responsibility, pressure and expectations because you want to become a player on which the team and country rely. I feel delighted with the positive pressure and try to perform in all three departments," he added.