Naseem Shah will travel to New Zealand for the triangular series confirms PCB

Naseem Shah

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah, currently one of the best bowlers in the Pakistan team, is not playing the current T20I series against England at home as he has been diagnosed with Covid19. However, it has been confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board that the pacer will travel with the team to New Zealand next week.

Shah's struggles with illnesses 

Shah tested positive for the virus and will miss the remaining two matches against England in Lahore. Earlier, the fast bowler was hospitalised for two days after being diagnosed with pneumonia, but Shah said in a tweet he was “feeling better and recovering well.” He was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday and was discharged on Thursday.

Pakistan's ventures

Before the World Cup begins later this month, Pakistan will fly to New Zealand for a triangular Twenty20 series also featuring Bangladesh. In the on-going seven-match series against England, Pakistan lead 3-2 with consecutive wins in Karachi and Lahore in the last two games. Shah played the first T20I in Karachi, in which he bowled an expensive spell of 0-41 off his four overs.

The 19-year-old right arm quick put up a few fine performances in the Asia Cup in the UAE. In the game against Hong Kong, he picked up two wickets in as many overs while conceding only seven runs. Before that, he picked up two wickets while conceding 27 runs against arch-rivals India. So far in six T20 internationals, he has seven wickets. He has also played 13 Tests and seven ODIs for Pakistan. 

No confirmation yet 

Meanwhile, the Men in Green are yet to confirm pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi’s availability for their opening game at the World Cup against India. As per recent reports, Afridi, who missed the entire Asia Cup and the on-going series against England, might not be fit in time for the big game against India.

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