World Cup 2023: Why Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan should play against Afghanistan?

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Shadab Khan hasn't really scaled the heights of his role in the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan's vice-captain played the first three games of the World Cup before he was dropped by the team management for the Australia clash.

Pakistan's think-tank felt that Shadab Khan was far from impressive in the first three games. The bowling all-rounder was replaced by Usama Amir in the game against Australia. Shadab Khan conceded 31 runs in 4 overs against India in Ahmedabad.

During the game against Sri Lanka, he conceded 55 runs in 8 overs and took just one wicket to his name. Shadab Khan gave away 45 runs against the Netherlands, taking 1 wicket.

However, he should be playing the next game against Afghanistan. Pakistan will lock horns with Afghanistan on October 23, Monday at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Historically, the pitch is conducive for the spinners. The surface is
generally dry, which means there is increased turn, providing assistance to the spinners.

Since the spinners can get more turn and unpredictable bounce on offer, they can create uncertainties in batters' minds, making it challenging for batsmen to go about their work.

Shadab Khan, who is a prodigious turner of the ball should play on Chennai wicket.
The Chennai pitch is prone to slow down as the game progresses, especially towards the second half of the game, making it tough for the batters to play their shots in the second innings.

Shadab Khan who knows a thing or two about making use of the dry wicket, will be
licking his lips to perform if he is given the opportunity to feature in the playing XI.
Besides his bowling credentials, he can also serve as a handy lower-order batter.

Shadab Khan who has got 4 fifties to his name in ODIs, scored 32 off 34 against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023. Pakistan played 4 games so far, winning twice and losing as many games in the group stage. They are fifth on the table with a Net Run Rate of -0.456.