Googly isn’t my only weapon: Pakistani bowler Shadab Khan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young bowling sensation Shadab Khan has warned all the batsmen that googly isn’t his only weapon and his other deliveries are equally lethal and wicket taking.

Shadab, who came into limelight with his superb performance in Pakistan Super League, has now attracted international commentators with his brilliant back-to-back match winning performances against West Indies in two T20Is.

He took three wickets in his debut T20I, followed by a four wicket haul in second T20I which helped Pakistan win, and subsequently was rewarded Man of the Match award on both the occasions.

Shadab’s googly has been praised by everyone and commentators have termed it as ‘one of the best’ in the recent eras.

However, Shadab feels that googly isn’t his only weapon and he has a lot more to offer.  

“I know that my googly has become famous, but I believe that my leg spin is equally good. I can take wickets on flippers and leg spins as well,” said Shadab in a video statement released by Pakistan Cricket Board. “I can take wickets on any deliveries,” he added.

The 18-year-old bowler termed wicket of Marlon Samuels as the turning point of Pakistan’s second T20I against West Indies. Samuels was caught by Sarfaraz Ahmed behind stumps off Shadab’s googly after scoring 44 off 35.

“Samuels was playing good and looked firm. When I came to deliver the 13th over of the innings, captain Sarfaraz Ahmed told me to bowl leg-spin to him, I bowled five leg spins to him and he didn’t charge as he wanted my over to finish,” said Shadab when asked about how he managed to take Samuels’ wicket.

“Then, before the final ball, Saffy told me to deliver a googly. I acted according to the captain’s advice and got the wicket,” he said.

The young bowler said that he is learning day-by-day and playing against top teams is helping him improve his skills.

Replying to a question, Shadab said that he believes that hard work always pays back. “I always work hard to enhance my skills. I believe that I will earn more if I do more hard work. I cannot be complacent at any moment, “added the young bowler.