The Rise of Saud Shakeel
Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan. It is a passion that runs deep in the hearts of its people. Over the years, the country has witnessed the emergence of some talented batsmen who have left an indelible mark on the game. Among the new generation of cricketers, one name that stands out is Saud Shakeel. This left-handed batting prodigy has been making headlines with his elegant stroke play and impressive recent performances in difficult circumstances.
In this blog, we will delve into Saud Shakeel’s journey, his style of play, and the immense potential he holds for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Early Days
Saud Shakeel was born in Karachi on 5th September 1995. His cricketing journey began in the bustling streets of Karachi, where he honed his skills in local club cricket. His passion for the game and dedication to improving his craft earned him a place in various domestic tournaments.
Domestic Career
Saud made his List A debut on 19th January 2015 for Karachi Zebras against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) where he scored 59 before getting out. He has played 75 matches till now where he has scored 2400+ runs, averaging 45. He has so far scored 4 centuries and 20 half centuries.
Saud Shakeel made his first-class debut on 26-29 October 2015 with Karachi Whites against WAPDA. He made 32 on his debut where he didn’t get a chance to bat in 2nd innings. He performed well throughout his domestic career but couldn’t get a chance in national side. Saud averages 54 in first-class cricket in 66 matches. He has scored over 5000 runs and have 17 centuries to his name with a highest of 208 not out.
Style of Play and Batting Technique
One of the key attributes that set Saud Shakeel apart from his peers is his classical and technically sound batting style. At the crease, he exudes confidence, wielding the willow with finesse and grace. His exquisite stroke play and a wide range of shots make him a treat to watch for cricket enthusiasts. As a middle-order batsman, Saud possesses the composure and temperament required to anchor the innings and stabilize the team during challenging situations in which he has been successful so far.
The Call to the National Side
Despite performing well in domestic circuit, he couldn’t get a call to the national side up until 2021. Saud Shakeel’s impressive performances in domestic cricket eventually did not go unnoticed by the national selectors. He earned his call to the national team after 6 years of playing domestic cricket.
ODI
Pakistan tour of England, 2021 – Saud Shakeel’s International Debut Series
In 2021, Saud earned a well-deserved call-up to the Pakistan national cricket team which was touring England at the time for limited overs cricket matches. Making his debut in an ODI against England on 8th July 2021 at Cardiff, Saud got out for just 5 runs.
But he showcased glimpses of his potential with a mature innings under pressure in just his 2nd match. He scored a gritty 56 when team was in all sorts of trouble while chasing 248. It was a series decider when Saud stepped in at no.5 when team’s total was 36-3. He kept one end safe but couldn’t get any help from other end. However, he couldn’t get his team over the line and was the 2nd last man to be dismissed. So far Saud has played only 5 ODIs in which he scored 1 half century.
Test Cricket
England Tour of Pakistan, 2022/2023 – Saud Shakeel’s Debut Test Series
Saud got his call to the National Test side after almost a year and a half of making his ODI debut. He made his test debut against England at home, against whom he started his international career a year before. He debuted in the first match of the series against England on 1-5 December 2022 at Rawalpindi. He scored 37 in his first innings. He showed his potential in 2nd innings where Pakistan was chasing a target of 343. He came to bat when the team’s score was 89-3. He scored a half century on his debut and scored a fighting 76 before getting out. Pakistan lost the match by 74 runs.
In his 2nd match, Saud scored half centuries in both innings of the match. He scored 63 in the first innings. Saud scored another fighting half century in the 4th innings of the match while chasing 355. He scored 94, once again topping the batting charts for Pakistan. However, Pakistan lost that match by 26 runs. In his third match, Saud scored 23 and 53 in both innings.Saud Shakeel scored 346 runs in his first Test series with the help of 4 half centuries.
New Zealand Tour of Pakistan – 2023
He showed his potential in his very first Test series by scoring runs in difficult situations. These performances earned him another call to the Test side where he was selected against New Zealand for 2 Test matches at Home.
Saud continued his brilliant run in Test cricket and scored another half century in the first match against New Zealand. He scored 22 and 55 respectively. So far, Saud had missed out on centuries after coming close to it.
In his 5th Test, Saud scored his first Test century which came in difficult circumstances. Pakistan was struggling at 99-3 in reply to New Zealand’s 449 when Saud came to bat. Saud and Imam added 83 runs for the 4th wicket partnership. Pakistan was now 182-4 after Imam got out. Saud and Sarfaraz added 150 runs for the 5th wicket partnership where he completed his maiden test century. Saud remained unbeaten on 125, helping his team reach a total of 408 in its first innings.
In 4th innings of the match, Pakistan was chasing a target of 319. Saud came to bat when Pakistan was struggling at 80-5. He scored a handy 32 runs helping his team to get to a total of 203 before getting out. Saud and Sarfaraz added 123 for the 6th wicket partnership. Saud scored 234 runs in this 2 Test match series with the help of a century and a half century.
Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka – Saud’s First Away Challenge
Pakistan is currently touring Sri Lanka for 2 Test match series. Pakistan won the first Test match by 4 wickets where Saud Shakeel was awarded his first man of the match award for his outstanding double century. Saud came to bat when Pakistan’s score was 67-3 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 312. Soon, it became 101-5 and Agha Salman came to bat. Pakistan was in trouble with a less experienced batting pair at the crease. But they added 177 runs for the 6th wicket partnership.
After Salman departed for 83, Saud kept one end safe and kept building small partnerships with the tail. He meanwhile scored his 2nd century of his Test career (scoring consecutive 2 centuries in his last 2 matches). But it didn’t stop him from adding a crucial 94 runs for the 9th wicket partnership with Naseem Shah (who contributed 6 runs in this partnership but kept one end safe by facing 78 deliveries).
Saud became the first Pakistani batter to score a double century in Tests in Sri Lanka and completed the first double ton of his career in just his 6th Test match while batting with a number 11 at the other end. He remained unbeaten on 208, helping his team to reach a total of 461 and getting a crucial lead of 149. Saud scored a gritty 30 in the 2nd innings as well while chasing 132. Pakistan eventually won the match by 4 wickets.
Pakistan will be facing Sri Lanka in the 2nd Test match on 24th July 2023 at Colombo (SSC) where all eyes will be on Saud Shakeel, who will be expected to help Pakistan win a test series after almost 2 years.
Records in Sight
Saud Shakeel is on the verge of becoming the fastest to 1000 runs in Test cricket in terms of matches played as he has scored 818 runs till now. Currently, England’s Herbert Sutcliffe is the fastest to 1000 runs in terms of innings (12 innings) but Australia’s Sir Donald Bradman is the fastest to 1000 runs in Test cricket in terms of matches (7 matches). If Saud scores 182 runs in his next match, he will be the joint fastest to 1000 Test runs in terms of matches.
For Pakistan, he can become the fastest to reach this landmark in terms of both matches and innings as so far Saud has played 12 innings whereas the fastest Pakistani to reach 1000 runs was Saeed Ahmad, who completed this milestone in 11 matches and 20 innings.
Future Prospects
Though Saud is entering his 28th year of his life but he is still young in international cricket. The journey of Saud Shakeel has only just begun in international cricket, and the road ahead is full of challenges and opportunities. As he gains more experience and exposure in international cricket, it is essential for Saud to remain focused on honing his skills and maintaining a strong work ethic. With the support of fans, coaches, and teammates, Saud Shakeel has the talent and determination to become a linchpin of Pakistan’s batting lineup for years to come.
Conclusion
Saud Shakeel averages 90.88 in Test cricket at the moment. He has scored 2 centuries and 7 half centuries in his career spanning just 6 matches till now. These stats are enough to prove the immense talent Saud possesses. In conclusion, Saud Shakeel’s rise from the streets of Karachi to the international cricketing stage is a testament to his dedication and talent. With his elegant style of play and a penchant for big scores, he is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for Pakistan cricket. As the nation rallies behind this budding talent, there is a sense of optimism that Saud Shakeel might be the next big batting sensation to leave an indelible mark on Pakistan’s rich cricketing legacy.
Visit Our YouTube Channel : Cricket Maverick
FAQs
- When did Saud Shakeel make his List A debut, and for which team?
– Saud Shakeel made his List A debut on 19th January 2015 for Karachi Zebras against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
- What is Saud Shakeel’s batting style, and what makes him stand out as a batsman?
– Saud Shakeel is known for his classical and technically sound batting style. He stands out due to his confidence at the crease, finesse in stroke play, and a wide range of shots.
- How long did it take Saud Shakeel to earn a call-up to the Pakistan national cricket team after performing well in domestic cricket?
– Saud Shakeel earned his call to the national team after six years of playing domestic cricket, and he made his debut in international cricket in 2021.
- In which Test series did Saud Shakeel score his first Test century, and what were the circumstances of that innings?
– Saud Shakeel scored his first Test century in the series against New Zealand. He came to bat when Pakistan was struggling at 99-3 in reply to New Zealand’s 449, and he scored a fighting century, remaining unbeaten on 125.
- What is Saud Shakeel’s current batting average in Test cricket, and what records is he on the verge of breaking?
– Saud Shakeel’s current batting average in Test cricket is 90.88. He is on the verge of becoming the fastest to 1000 runs in Test cricket in terms of matches played. If he scores 182 runs in his next match, he will be the joint fastest to 1000 Test runs in terms of matches.
