Babar Azam is probably among the top players in modern-day cricket. For Pakistan, he is the best all-format batter at the moment. He has been at the top of all batting records for the last 2–3 years, which is why he is considered the best for his country.
However, his form in recent times has declined a bit. He was not able to perform as he would have liked in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. It also affected his team’s performance. But one man who performed brilliantly in the tournament was Abdullah Shafique.
The 24-year-old got his chance in the playing XI after an injury to Fakhar Zaman. He smashed a hundred in this World Cup debut match and took his team to victory. Overall, Abdullah scored 336 runs in just 8 games at an average of 42 with one hundred and three half-centuries.
He is also averaging 50 in test cricket. That is why former Australian opener Simon Katich reckons that Abdullah will be a bigger name in Pakistan cricket than Babar Azam. During the commentary on Day 2 of the first test in Perth, Katich made a bold statement.
"He’s a good young player, he’s had a good start to his Test career. What I like about him the most is that he’s aggressive against spin.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 15, 2023
"I like the look of him. I think he’s going to be a better player than Babar Azam."
– Simon Katich on Abdullah Shafique #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/MbLW0QqtlK
He said on air, “He’s a good young player; he’s had a good start to his Test career. What I like about him the most is that he’s aggressive against spin. I think he’s going to be a better player than Babar Azam.”
Speaking of the first test, Australia batted first and posted a massive total of 487 runs. David Warner made 64, while Mitchell Marsh scored 90 runs. Debutant Aamer Jamal took 6/111 in his debut inning. In reply, Pakistan are at 132/2 at the stumps on Day 2.
Abdullah Shafique was the first wicket to go. He made a hard-fought 42 off 121. Skipper Shan Masood looked good for his 30 off 43. Imam-ul-Haq is at the crease with an unbeaten 38, while nigh watchman Khurram Shahzad has scored 7 runs.
