All-rounder repays recall with fighting fifty despite continued struggles with the ball

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Shadab Khan reminded everyone of his value as a multi-dimensional cricketer with a gritty 71 against Australia, nearly guiding Pakistan to victory in the second ODI and justifying his return to the national side after a lengthy absence from 50-over cricket.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup still 16 months away, Pakistan’s selectors have begun experimenting with their player pool, handing opportunities to new faces while reassessing experienced campaigners. Shadab’s recall was among the most debated decisions, especially given his limited recent List A cricket and competition from specialist spinners such as Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed.

The leg-spinner’s bowling returns have done little to silence critics. Across the first two ODIs against Australia, Shadab failed to take a wicket and conceded 110 runs at an economy rate of 6.47, making him Pakistan’s most expensive bowler despite spin-friendly conditions.

However, his contribution with the bat offered a timely reminder of another side to his game.

Chasing 232 in the second ODI, Shadab produced a determined 71 off 104 deliveries, holding Pakistan’s innings together and briefly raising hopes of an unlikely victory. Although Australia eventually closed out the match, his innings was his first ODI half-century since 2022 and showcased the maturity he has developed as a batter.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson believes Shadab’s role within the side has evolved significantly over the years.

“Shadab has made a transition throughout his career, starting more as a bowler who batted and now becoming a batting all-rounder,” Hesson explained. “That’s why he bats at six or seven depending on the situation.”

The statement reflects Pakistan’s changing view of the 27-year-old, whose batting is increasingly seen as his primary asset while his bowling serves as a supporting option.

Hesson also revealed that Shadab currently sits lower in Pakistan’s bowling hierarchy, operating as a fifth bowling option alongside captain Salman Ali Agha and emerging all-rounder Maaz Sadaqat.

Meanwhile, discussions around Pakistan’s pitch strategy have continued after criticism of the spin-friendly surfaces used against Australia. Hesson defended the conditions, reiterating that Pakistan are preparing for a variety of environments ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

He pointed out that different venues in those countries will offer contrasting challenges and insisted Pakistan’s focus is on developing a squad capable of adapting to all conditions.

For now, while Shadab’s bowling remains a work in progress, his fighting knock against Australia has reinforced his growing importance as a batting all-rounder and strengthened his case to remain part of Pakistan’s long-term World Cup plans.