ICC, Rizwan and fans laud Saud Shakeel’s game awareness

Saud Shakeel showcased his cricketing intelligence during Pakistan’s World Cup opening match against Netherlands by identifying an extra fielder outside the thirty-yard circle.

Batting at number five, the left-hander aggressively countered Pakistan's initial struggle, scoring three boundaries in his first ten balls and reaching 16 swiftly. By the 20th over, Shakeel had elevated his score to 28 off 23, contributing to Pakistan's total of 101-3.

A pivotal moment occurred in the 22nd over when Shakeel, after hitting a four, successfully appealed for a no-ball due to an additional fielder outside the prescribed circle.

This resulted in a free-hit, which Shakeel exploited by smashing a six over mid-wicket. Despite only one legitimate ball being bowled, this two-ball sequence added 11 runs to Pakistan's total.

The video showcasing the mentioned sequence was posted on ICC's Instagram account on Sunday, accompanied by a caption commending Saud Shakeel for his excellent awareness.

Mohammad Rizwan, in an interview with PCB digital, also heaped praise on the left-hander.

The game awareness and mental fortitude required to play match-winning innings for the team 🏏@saudshak and @iMRizwanPak discuss Pakistan's tournament opener 🗣️#PAKvNED | #DattKePakistani | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/YQK7yIeWfr

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2023

Fans were equally amazed by Shakeel's swift decision-making.

Saud’s game awareness was on point, loved Rizzi how profoundly he appreciated Saud’s calculated innings. https://t.co/gWqsINmf0G

— Darvesh (@shazzaidi) October 7, 2023

Before this ball Saud Shakeel spotted Netherlands had one too many fielders outside the circle, went for the big shot knowing it would be a no ball, then made sure the umpires called no ball, and then hit THIS free hit for six
Talk about game awareness 👏https://t.co/1RdPk6P84k

— الکاظمی (@abdur_rehman26) October 6, 2023