New pace prospect Usman Khan Shinwar is hoping to don the green kit soon. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS
KARACHI: Former Test player and ZTBL coach Wajahatullah Wasti has emphasised that selectors should seriously look at new pace sensation Usman Khan Shinwari as a possible surprise weapon for Pakistan in the ICC World Twenty20 next year.
The 19-year-old left-arm bowler is new to the domestic circuit, but has impressed everyone in only the handful of matches he has played so far.
He was instrumental in guiding ZTBL to the Departmental T20 crown by bowling a destructive spell which fetched him a five-wicket haul against SNGPL in the final on Tuesday.
The five-for helped him win the man-of-the-final and best bowler in the competition awards.
Shinwari has ordinary returns in the longer formats of the game. However, his performance in the departmental T20 has been exemplary, where he snared 11 wickets in all including the impressive show in the final.
His scalps in the tournament decider included Taufeeq Umar and Misbahul Haq.
“Usman Shinwari can prove to be a really good surprise weapon for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup,” Wasti told The Express Tribune.
“He isn’t an easy bowler to face in the T20 format, especially because batsmen have less time to settle when the ball is moving and that is where a bowler gets wickets.
“Usman can prove to be a surprise weapon just like Sohail Tanvir was in 2007 T20 World Cup and Mohammad Amir was in 2009 mega event, because he can easily bowl over 140kph.”
On the other hand, Wasti warned that he must be allowed to bowl with his natural action and should not be coached.
“We picked him in Islamia Cricket Academy. We haven’t worked on his action as he has an exceptional quality of moving the ball. We have only worked on his fitness so that he can bowl fast.
“Our so-called qualified coaches have already ruined a promising bowler in Anwar Ali as his movement has ended. Anwar could’ve been a devastating bowler in international arena but the coaches ruined him and I want to avoid a similar fate for Shinwari.”
‘I want to be like Wasim Akram’
Meanwhile, Shinwari – who hails from Fata but lives in Peshawar – wants to become a top bowler like the legendary Wasim Akram.
“My aim is to achieve big things for Pakistan, just like my idol Wasim Akram did,” he said. “There was only one Wasim but I want to become like him as well.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (8)
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Looks a good bowler. Bustles in, very busy action, strong shoulders. Give him a chance.
He is a great bowler!!!! He should be the part of Pakistan Cricket Team
I watched the final match in which Usman Khan took 5 wickets and i was really surprised the way he bowled. He got excellent wickets!!!! He must be the part of Pakistan cricket team and there is really no doubt about his bowling ability.........He swings the bowl and got pace!!! PCB selection committee should give him chance in series with SRILANKA to boost up his confidence!!!!!!!!!!!!!..........MY BEST WISHES PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS YOUNG BOY.........
best of luck kid
I have seen this kid, he can be really a good inclusion in Pakistan side. We have already given much chances to Sohail Tanveer and Junaid. Bowling attack with Irfan and Shanwari will proof to be devastating. I agree with the writer that he should be included in the Pakistan squad even on Sheri Lanka home series to give him little more confidence. He is with no doubt can be a next Waseem Akram and If he is not included then I must say that PCB is totally blind. I also believe that present bowling squad must be feeling threatened by his performance and he may become victim of politics.