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Is Shahzaib Khan Pakistan's Next Fakhar Zaman? Opener Thrashes India In U19 Asia Cup

Debashis Sarangi

Shahzaib Khan bats like Fakhar Zaman [Source: @ICC/X, @Mussanaf/X]Shahzaib Khan bats like Fakhar Zaman [Source: @ICC/X, @Mussanaf/X]

Pakistan's promising opener Shahzaib Khan showcased his batting prowess against arch-rivals India in the ongoing under19 Asia Cup encounter between the two sides at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Opening the batting for Pakistan's u19 team, Shahzaib hammered a magnificent century, pushing India on the back foot in the high-voltage clash. 

Shahzaib Khan's Blistering Ton Demoralises India U19 Team

After Pakistan u19 team's captain Saad Baig won the toss and opted to bat, Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan Jnr gave them a solid start, stitching a mammoth stand for the opening wicket. After negotiating the first few overs of seam bowling, the dynamic duo gradually upped the ante, frustrating the Indian bowlers with their scintillating stroke-play. 

Shahzaib Khan, in particular, played an aggressive brand of cricket and tormented the Indian u19 team. While his opening partner was dismissed for a patient 94-ball 60, the swashbuckling southpaw hammered five fours and six maximums for his quick-fire century. He played an instrumental role in Pakistan's impressive outing, dismantling the Indian attack with his brave batting. 

Can Shahzaib Khan Replace Fakhar Zaman?

Pakistan's young batting sensation Shahzaib Khan emulates explosive opener Fakhar Zaman's batting style. He has a strong leg side game and his ability to open his arms on the off side makes him a serious threat to any bowling attack. 

Being an aggressive batter, Shahzaib can be a valuable asset for Pakistan's senior team in the powerplay, where he can capitalise on the field restrictions. He also tries to dominate the spinners, a trait that draws his parallels with experienced opener Fakhar Zaman. 

Although it's too early to predict his future in international cricket, it won't be wrong to say that he can be fast-tracked into the national side if he sustains his dream run and the Pakistan team management completely moves on from Fakhar Zaman.