Shadab Khan makes bold claim ahead of England ODIs

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Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan is upbeat ahead of the upcoming three-match One-day International (ODI) series against England.

While speaking to www.pcb.com.pk, Shadab Khan made his intentions clear that Pakistan are in England to win.

“Surely, England are the ODI world champions, but we come into the series after playing some good cricket against them in the past,” said Shadab. “The passion and love of these guys for the game is evident by the energy they have put in in the practice session today. It is great to be reunited as a team after competing against each other in the successful HBL Pakistan Super League 6.”

“Of course, English conditions are different from UAE but HBL PSL 6 has given us momentum and rhythm and we would like to keep this momentum going by playing some exciting and competitive cricket,” he added.

He also backed Pakistan’s in-form batsmen to come good during the series.

“If you look at our squad, Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq have played extraordinary innings in South Africa. Fakhar has scored two centuries in three matches, while Imam scored two half-centuries which show our opening pair is settled in this format,” he said. “Our middle-order is strong too with Babar Azam – who needs no introduction – and Mohammad Rizwan, who is fresh from winning the HBL PSL 6. Haris Sohail is back in the side having scored over 50 runs per innings in the UK.”

Shadab also touted pacer Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali as match winners.

“Our bowling department is beefed up by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, who are match winners. So we are very confident and hopeful of showing our full potential in the upcoming games,” he concluded.

Tour itinerary:

8 July - 1^st ODI, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

10 July – 2^nd ODI, Lord’s, London

13 July – 3^rd ODI, Edgbaston, Birmingham

16 July – 1^st T20I, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

18 July – 2^nd T20I, Headingley, Leeds

20 July – 3^rd T20I, Old Trafford, Manchester