‘Every team prepares pitches that suit them’ – Shaheen defends Pakistan pitches
The recent three-match One Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and Australia became a focal point for intense discourse surrounding the nature of the pitches. Throughout the series, contested across venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Pakistan strategically employed slow, turning wickets, commonly referred to as “square-turners.” This tactical decision was aimed at maximizing their home advantage against an Australian side that was notably under-strength due to the unavailability of several key players.
Pakistan ultimately triumphed in the series, securing a 2-1 victory after a captivating, low-scoring encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, the significance of this victory, particularly its contribution to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, has been a subject of considerable debate within the cricketing circles of the country. The upcoming global tournament is slated to be held in southern Africa, where conditions are widely anticipated to be more conducive to fast bowling, thus raising questions about the efficacy of practicing on spin-friendly tracks.
Shaheen Afridi’s Stance on Pitch Preparation
In the wake of Pakistan’s series win, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi robustly defended his team’s approach to pitch curation. He articulated a clear philosophy, asserting that host nations are fully entitled to prepare surfaces that play to their strengths. His comments echoed sentiments previously expressed by Mike Hesson before the second ODI, who had defended the Rawalpindi pitch by noting that not all venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia consistently feature fast and bouncy surfaces. Hesson had reassured fans that the team would prepare for “a variety of conditions” ahead of the quadrennial event.
Afridi’s defense was unequivocal: “There are 15 months to the World Cup. Every team prepares pitches that suit them when they play in their backyard to win,” he stated. He further elaborated on the broader preparation strategy, highlighting that upcoming Test series in places like the West Indies and England would provide opportunities for players to hone their skills on different types of pitches, more akin to those expected in southern Africa. Afridi recalled past instances where Pakistan adapted to challenging conditions abroad: “We played on green and bouncy pitches when we went to Australia under [Mohammad] Rizwan’s captaincy and we won that series. You cannot offer them green wickets when they come here because we have to win.”
He acknowledged the demanding nature of the home wickets: “These were tough wickets, and scoring runs or spending time on them was not easy. We have time on our hands before the World Cup and we will prepare pitches of different characteristics as well in the build-up.” This statement suggests a nuanced strategy, where home advantage is leveraged in bilateral series, while broader preparation for diverse conditions remains a long-term objective.
Experimentation and Emerging Talent
Beyond the pitch debate, Pakistan’s cricketing think-tank has been keen on utilizing bilateral series this year as a platform for experimenting with young talent. This strategy aims to significantly add depth to their player pool in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup. Prior to this series against Australia, Pakistan had already handed six debuts across three ODIs in Bangladesh, underscoring their commitment to nurturing new blood.
The series against Australia saw the left-arm orthodox spinner Arafat Minhas make his ODI debut in the opening match in Rawalpindi. Minhas made an immediate and indelible impression, commencing his international career with a record-breaking five-wicket haul. This achievement made him the first Pakistani bowler ever to claim five wickets in his maiden ODI appearance. His exceptional all-round contributions throughout the series earned him the well-deserved Player of the Series award, signaling a bright future for the young talent.
Despite the initial focus on debuts, no further new players were introduced in the second and third ODIs. Pakistan opted to play the same side across all three matches, even with uncapped players like Ahmed Daniyal and Rohail Nazir warming the bench. This decision indicated a desire for continuity and team cohesion once the core playing XI was established.
Shadab Khan‘s Pivotal Return and Performance
One of the most discussed aspects of the squad selection for these matches was the recall of all-rounder Shadab Khan. These games marked his first appearances in the ODI format since the 2023 World Cup, and his return generated a degree of controversy among fans and pundits. Initially, Shadab struggled to find his rhythm with the ball, proving to be the most expensive bowler across both teams in the first two matches.
However, Shadab demonstrated remarkable maturity and resilience, particularly with the bat. In the second ODI, he crafted a crucial innings of 71 runs off 104 deliveries, which played a vital role in keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive. This was a challenging chase where Australia had successfully defended a modest total of 231 by 41 runs after dismantling the hosts’ batting lineup. His half-century in that match was his first in four years, with his last significant fifty coming against West Indies in Multan in June 2022. Furthermore, in the decisive third match, Shadab showcased his composure under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 29 runs off 42 balls to expertly guide Pakistan over the finish line in a tense chase of 158. His contributions proved instrumental in sealing the series victory.
Captain Afridi specifically lauded Shadab Khan’s performance as the “biggest positive” to emerge from the series. “Everyone questioned why he was getting opportunities regularly. But, I feel, it is only mature players who can win you such [close] matches in tough conditions,” Afridi remarked, highlighting Shadab’s crucial role. He also praised Shadab’s bowling in the final match, noting, “He bowled with control and took two wickets,” demonstrating a return to form for the experienced all-rounder.
Reflecting on the overall team performance and individual opportunities, Afridi noted, “There were some players who got an opportunity in this series. We played the same team throughout the series, which has not happened for the last one year … It was good to see how Arafat Minhas bowled throughout the three matches and so was the case with Abrar [Ahmed], who also bowled a good spell today.” This emphasis on consistent team selection and the performances of both new and returning players underscores a strategic shift towards building a settled and confident squad.
Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s Busy Schedule
Following this demanding home series, Pakistan’s national team will enjoy a rare break of approximately a month and a half. Their next major assignment will be a Test tour of the West Indies. From the Caribbean, the squad is scheduled to travel directly to England for a three-Test series, presenting further opportunities to adapt to varying international conditions. Later in the year, expected around October-November, Pakistan is set to host Sri Lanka for a full tour, which is anticipated to include their next white-ball matches. This packed international schedule will be crucial for the team’s ongoing development and preparation across all formats of the game, particularly as they continue to build towards future World Cups.
