After a week in Sharjah preparing for the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE (August 29-September 7) and the Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (September 9-28), Pakistan’s T20 team is eager to compete on the cricket field.
Under Salman Ali Agha’s leadership, the team has adapted to the conditions following intense net sessions at Dubai’s ICC Cricket Academy.
“Preparations have gone well. We’ve evaluated the conditions, and it’s extremely hot here, but the players are adjusting,” said Ashley Noffke, the team’s bowling coach, in an interview shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X.
In the Asia Cup, Pakistan is in Group A with India, Oman, and hosts UAE, relying on Shaheen Shah Afridi for early breakthroughs.
The 25-year-old left-arm pacer, who was pivotal in Pakistan’s 10-wicket victory over India at the 2021 T20 World Cup with an impressive opening spell, is regaining his form after injury setbacks.
“He knows his speed decreased post-injury, and recovery takes time. However, against the West Indies, we observed more deliveries in the 140s kmph, which is promising,” noted Noffke.
“He’s a threat to rival batsmen. His stats speak volumes, but he still has areas to improve to become the superstar he aspires to be.”
Noffke emphasized Shaheen will need support from fellow bowlers and predicted he could be formidable if he finds swing in UAE conditions.
“He’s particularly dangerous when the ball swings back. We want him to make swing, both ways, a potent weapon again,” said the former Australian pacer.
“Regarding Shaheen, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and the rest of the bowlers, they’ve been transparent about areas for improvement and their strengths. We’re balancing these aspects, and the players are improving. We’re progressing well!”
