Naseem Shah- Profile, Stats, News, and Career Highlights

Naseem Shah Career Highlights

At the age of 16, in October 2019, he was selected to join the Pakistan cricket team for their Test series against Australia.

Making his international debut in November 2019 against Australia, he became the ninth-youngest player to debut in Test cricket.

During the second Test match against Sri Lanka in December 2019, he became the second-youngest bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in a Test match, and also the youngest pace bowler to achieve this feat.

In February 2020, during the first Test against Bangladesh, he further established his record by becoming the youngest bowler to secure a hat-trick in a Test match.

Domestic career

He debuted in first-class cricket for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited during the 2018–19 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on September 1, 2018. Similarly, he made his List A debut for the same team in the 2018–19 Quaid-e-Azam One Day Cup on October 16, 2018.

Moving forward, he was selected to represent Central Punjab in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament after which he was recognized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as one of the six promising players to watch in the 2019–20 National T20 Cup tournament. His Twenty20 debut came on October 13, 2019, playing for Central Punjab in the 2019–20 National T20 Cup.

PSL career

From 2019 to 2023, Shah represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. Ahead of the 2024 season, he transitioned to Islamabad United after being traded by his former team.

International career

Naseem Abbas Shah was called up to Pakistan’s Test squad for their series against Australia in October 2019. He impressed in his debut Test match against Australia, receiving praise from senior cricketers for his pace. In November 2019, he was named in Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, where he claimed his first five-wicket haul.

Despite initially being named in Pakistan’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, he was withdrawn due to his remarkable start in Test cricket. Naseem became the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick in February 2020. He received a central contract from the PCB in May 2020. Since then, he has been a consistent presence in Pakistan’s squads across formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his talent and potential.

Test Career

In the span of 2019 to 2023, Naseem Shah participated in 17 Test matches, bowling across 28 innings. Throughout his Test career, he bowled a total of 476.0 overs, exhibiting remarkable consistency. Among his notable achievements, he claimed 51 wickets, with his best bowling figures being 5/31 in an innings and 6/85 in a match.

ODI Career

Between 2022 and 2023, Naseem Shah participated in 14 One Day International matches. During this period, he bowled 115.5 overs, conceding 543 runs and claiming 32 wickets. His best bowling performance in an innings was 5/33, with an average of 16.96.

T20 International Career

Between 2022 and 2024, Nadeem Shah participated in 22 Twenty20 International matches. During this period, he bowled 78.1 overs, conceding 591 runs and claiming 17 wickets. His best bowling performance in an innings was 2/7, with an average of 34.76.

Family

Naseem originates from Mayar Jandool, located in the Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. His father, Abbas Shah, initially opposed his pursuit of cricket, prioritizing his education instead. After completing his schooling up to the tenth grade, Naseem’s father encouraged him to explore job opportunities abroad. Tragically, Naseem lost his mother in 2019, just a day prior to his Test debut at the age of 16.