Web Desk
Head coach Aizaz Cheema of Pakistan Shaheens has offered his reflections on his team’s performance during their busy tour of Zimbabwe, which included two four-day matches and a six-match 50-over series from May 3 to May 27, 2023.
In the two-match four-day series, Pakistan Shaheens displayed dominance as they swept aside Zimbabwe Select with a 2-0 victory. Omair Bin Yousuf, Muhammad Huraira, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, and Mehran Mumtaz emerged as the standout performers for the visiting team.
However, in the six-match one-day series, Pakistan Shaheens faced a challenging task as Zimbabwe Select featured their first-choice players from the national side. Zimbabwe Select saw the limited-overs series as an opportunity to prepare for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe from June 18 to July 9.
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Taking advantage of their first-choice players and home advantage, Zimbabwe Select outclassed Pakistan Shaheens, winning the series 4-2.
Despite the disappointing performance in the one-day series, Pakistan Shaheens’ head coach Aizaz Cheema expressed his support for the young players who showcased their skills and potential throughout the Zimbabwe tour.
“I am extremely proud of the young players in the Pakistan Shaheens team who displayed their skills and potential during the tour. In the four-day matches, players like Mehran Mumtaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Mohammad Huraira, and Haseebullah showed exceptional performances, contributing significantly to our victories. It was a testament to their talent and dedication to the game,” said Aizaz Cheema in a press release by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
However, Cheema expressed disappointment over Pakistan Shaheens’ inability to capitalize on crucial moments, which he considered a major factor behind the team’s defeat in the one-day series.
“Nevertheless, I am disappointed with our performance in the six-match 50-over series against Zimbabwe Select, where we lost 4-2. As a team, we couldn’t perform to our full potential and failed to seize the opportunities presented to us. If we had capitalized on those chances, the outcome could have been different. It was a missed opportunity, and we will work on rectifying our mistakes and improving our team cohesion.”
Cheema then acknowledged the top performers for Pakistan Shaheens, giving special mention to Omair Bin Yousuf, Muhammad Huraira, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, and Mehran Mumtaz.
“I must acknowledge the impressive performance of our fast bowlers, who consistently took wickets during the 50-over series. Their contributions were crucial in keeping us in the game and putting pressure on the opposition. In the batting department, Omair Bin Yousuf, Mubasir Khan, and Qasim Akram stood out with their run-scoring abilities, showcasing their potential for the future.”
“We will analyze our performances, identify areas for improvement, and work tirelessly to strengthen our team’s performance. The Zimbabwe tour has provided valuable lessons and experiences for our young players, and we will use these as stepping stones towards future success. The Pakistan Shaheens team is determined to bounce back stronger and continue to develop and groom talented players for the senior national side.”
