In the often-unforgiving arena of domestic cricket, where reputations are forged and sometimes salvaged, fast bowler Naseem Shah delivered a performance that echoed far beyond the boundary ropes of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Marking his red-ball return after a significant hiatus, Shah roared back into form with a scintillating five-wicket haul for Lahore Whites against Islamabad, sending a powerful message to national selectors and fans alike.
A Return Worth Waiting For
It had been nearly a year since Naseem Shah last donned whites in a first-class fixture – a December Test against South Africa that feels like a lifetime ago for a player of his caliber. His absence from Pakistan`s red-ball squad, particularly for home series where “turning surfaces” became the prevailing narrative, had left many questioning his immediate international future. Furthermore, recent omissions from the T20I squad and the Asia Cup had added to the speculation surrounding his place in the national setup.
However, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan`s premier first-class competition, provided the perfect stage for a forceful declaration. On day three, Naseem dismantled Islamabad`s middle order with a display of pace, precision, and renewed vigor. His figures of 5 for 34 were not just impressive statistically; they were a testament to his unwavering skill and an undeniable statement of intent.
Brotherly Bond, Shared Success
Adding a delightful layer to this compelling narrative was the performance of Naseem`s younger brother and teammate, Ubaid Shah. Ubaid chipped in with two crucial wickets himself, creating a memorable family affair where seven of Islamabad`s first eight wickets fell to the Shah brothers. Such synergy is rare and speaks volumes about the cricketing talent flowing through their lineage.
One particular delivery from Naseem stood out: a whippy, side-on action that saw the ball dart back in, clipping the top of off-stump to clean up Rizwan Ali. It was a classic fast bowler`s dismissal – a moment of sheer beauty for purists and a sign that Naseem`s rhythm and venom were back. His scalps also included Islamabad captain Hasan Nawaz and, later in the innings, even his international fast-bowling comrade, Haris Rauf, as Islamabad`s tail fought a losing battle to reach 256 all out.
From Prodigy to Prolific Comeback
This five-wicket haul marks Naseem`s fifth in first-class cricket, a feat he`s accomplished predominantly in the nascent stages of his career. His debut five-for came at the tender age of 15 in only his second first-class match, with another following in his third Test match against Sri Lanka, making him the second-youngest player to achieve such a milestone in Test history. While his most recent five-wicket haul before this one came for Pakistan A (Shaheens) in 2021, this current performance feels different – a purposeful roar after a period of relative quiet.
For a player who has faced questions regarding his suitability for “turning surfaces” and found himself out of contention for various national squads, this Quaid-e-Azam Trophy spectacle serves as a stark, compelling reminder of what he brings to the table. Perhaps, a fast bowler of Naseem Shah`s quality isn`t merely dependent on a pitch`s temperament but can dictate the game`s flow with sheer skill and raw pace, regardless of the conditions.
The Road Ahead: Reclaiming His Spot
With Pakistan`s upcoming home Tests against South Africa on the horizon, this commanding performance couldn`t have come at a more opportune moment. While he was not named in the initial Test squad, the landscape of cricket is ever-shifting. A performance of this magnitude from a player of Naseem Shah`s international pedigree makes it incredibly difficult for selectors to overlook for long.
Fans across Pakistan will undoubtedly be buoyed by this display. It’s not just about the wickets; it’s about the spirit, the fight, and the palpable desire to reclaim his rightful place at the pinnacle of international cricket. Naseem Shah’s red-ball return was more than just a good day at the office; it was a powerful statement etched in cricketing history, suggesting that the fast-bowling phenom is far from finished, and indeed, just getting started on his next chapter.
