“We compare Abdullah Shafique to Rahul Dravid and Kane Williamson,” says Babar Azam

Babar Azam Abdullah Shafique
Image Credits: Twitter
Babar Azam Abdullah Shafique
Image Credits: Twitter

Ahead of the ODI series between West Indies and Pakistan, the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has heaped praise on the young batter Abdullah Shafique. The young right-handed batter has been called up for the national duties for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. Shafique massively impressed the selectors and the critics after solid displays with the bat in the home Test series against Australia earlier this year.

The 22-year-old batter notched up his maiden Test century in the first Test followed by two fifties in the next two Tests. Now, the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has praised Shafique for his solid technique and temperament.

“We compare Abdullah Shafique to Kane Williamson and Rahul Dravid” – Babar Azam

“I watch and definitely enjoy Abdullah’s stylish batting. He plays very clean his stance and the way he ducks the ball are impressive. Usually, we compare him to Kane Williamson and Rahul Dravid. We call him Dravid,” Babar told a local newspaper.

Meanwhile, despite being a consistent performer with the bat recently, Abdullah Shafique is facing stiff competition from Shan Masood for the opening slot. However, he has got the backing of his skipper as Babar prefers Shafique over the left-handed Masood. As per Babar, Abdullah adds more balance to the Pakistan batting unit than Masood and the selections should be made considering the team’s benefits instead of focusing on the individual talents.

“In the presence of Abdullah, the place of opener Shan Masood, another polished batter, may be in doubt, but our main aim in selecting an individual is the team’s interest,” said Babar Azam.

Abdullah Shafique is in line to make his ODI debut for Pakistan against West Indies. The three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin on the 8th of June as the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi will host the all three matches.

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