Shadab Khan defends Usama Mir amidst criticism following debut T20I performance

Pakistan cricketer Shadab Khan has come out in staunch defense of Usama Mir following the latter's debut T20 International performance against New Zealand on Friday. 

Usama, known for his consistent T20 performances in some of the toughest leagues, faced criticism after bowling four overs, conceding 51 runs with no wickets and an economy rate of 12.75.

Shadab took to his social media account to express support for Usama, emphasizing that criticism after just one game, especially in challenging conditions for spinners, is unduly harsh. Shadab acknowledged Usama's talent and asserted his confidence in the young cricketer's ability to bounce back from the challenging debut.

"Usama made his debut. He got here after consistent T20 performances in the toughest leagues. Criticism only after 1 game and that too at a difficult ground for spinners is harsh. Usama is gifted and talented enough to bounce back. @iamusamamir best of luck bro, shine bright," Shadab wrote on  X.

Usama made his debut. He got here after consistent T20 performances in the toughest leagues. Criticism only after 1 game and that too at a difficult ground for spinners is harsh. Usama is gifted and talented enough to bounce back. @iamusamamir best of luck bro, shine bright. pic.twitter.com/MN6L4jJjmN

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 13, 2024

It is worth noting that Pakistan ended in a 46-run defeat against New Zealand in the series opener in Auckland on Friday. New Zealand went 1-0 up in the five-match series.