Shafique’s Struggles Intensify: Once Hailed as Next Babar Azam Now Nearing Test Team Exclusion
Abdullah Shafique, once a promising talent for Pakistan’s cricket team, is currently facing a critical decline in his Test career. His recent performance against South Africa was dismal, scoring only two runs before being dismissed by fast bowler Kagiso Rabada in his first over.
Abdullah Shafique’s Deteriorating Form
Shafique’s batting statistics tell a troubling story. After a strong start, where he accumulated 736 runs across his first 13 innings, his performance has plummeted since 2024. His batting average, which stood at 47.50 until the end of 2023, has decreased dramatically to just 14.67, with a total of only 176 runs this year.
Key Statistics
| Period | Innings | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 2024 | 13 | 736 | 47.50 | 5/4 |
| Since 2024 | 12 | 176 | 14.67 | 0/1 |
Woes Against Bowling
Shafique’s struggles have been pronounced against both spin and pace bowling. His averages against these types of bowling since 2024 are particularly concerning. The statistics reveal:
- Against pace: 11.6 average with 8 dismissals
- Against spin: 20.8 average with 4 dismissals
His vulnerabilities are most evident, as he has been out LBW or bowled six times out of twelve. This pattern has raised fears regarding his technique, specifically his foot movement and positioning in response to fast deliveries.
Technical Shortcomings
The technical issues impacting Shafique’s batting have been highlighted by cricketing experts. Notably, his inability to adjust his footwork has caused him to remain static, leading to a gap between his bat and pad. This flaw has contributed to his increasing number of dismissals.
Room for Improvement
With increasing scrutiny from analysts and technology in cricket, Shafique faces mounting pressure to refine his batting technique. Without significant improvement, his position in the national Test squad may be jeopardized.
The coming matches will be crucial for Abdullah Shafique to regain his form and secure his spot in Pakistan’s Test squad. Time is of the essence as he strives to overcome his recent challenges.
