Why is Shadab Khan not playing in match 18 of the ICC World Cup 2023 vs Australia? Shadab Khan was left out of the World Cup 2023 match against Australia in Bangalore.
Australia and Pakistan square off in the 18th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Which takes place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The game is hugely important for both sides in their quest for tournament success.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, made an unexpected announcement during the toss. Electing to bowl first and declaring the withdrawal of Shadab Khan, who has been suffering with form and contribute minimally to the squad. Pundits and team strategists have criticized Shadab’s current performance downturn, which dates back to the Asia Cup.
Usama Mir has taken the post of Pakistan Vice-Captain in the playing XI. Usama Mir, who starred in the 2023 ODI World Cup warm-up matches with four wickets in two games and a successful performance for the Manchester Originals in The Hundred, joins the side as an important acquisition.
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Shadab Khan struggle with the ball comes back to haunt him
The Pakistan Vice-Captain’s skill with the willow has improved. But this newfound batting proficiency appears to have taken its toll on his bowling ability. Shadab’s bowling statistics in 2023 show a rather subdued performance, with a meager score of 15 wickets over 14 matches. His average, a somewhat high 42.60, and a relatively prodigious economy rate of 5.72 have left fans and skeptics alike wondering how he balances his twin cricketing jobs.
Shadab Khan wicket tally in the ODI World Cup 2023 is a modest two in three matches, giving cause for criticism. His most recent appearance in the tournament. Against archrivals India, yielded figures of 0-31 from his allotted four overs.
The solitary beacon of note amidst this recent performance graph shines on his spirited showing against ‘Minnows’ Nepal during the Asia Cup of 2023, where he managed to secure four crucial wickets.
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