Watch: Ubaid, younger brother of Pakistan international Naseem Shah, hit Babar Azam on the chest in a fiery net session on Wednesday.
In a viral video, 18-year-old Ubaid Shah was seen tormenting Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in a practice session. Babar left the first ball, a darting in-swinger on a fourth stump line that pitched on length, but the ball whizzed past the top of the off-stump. Ubaid had hands on his head, indicating he nearly forced Babar into a mistake. He also beat the outside edge of Fakhar, who tried to defend a corker.
The highlight of his rapid practice sessions was perhaps the next ball. Trying to pull from an awkward length, Babar copped a nasty blow on his ribs and writhed in pain after miscuing the shot.
Ubaid was named in ICC’s 2024 Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament. He took 18 wickets from six matches, including a sensational five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, helping Pakistan to defend 155 successfully and earning them a semi-final berth. Going forward for Pakistan, he can emerge as another fast-bowling sensation from their coveted assembly line of pacers.
Pakistan cricket is facing turmoil as selectors Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq were axed after their group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Their next assignment is a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, starting from August 21.
Watch Ubaid Shah rattle Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman:
Ubaid Shah is the real deal, amazing wrist & great pace. Hopefully his development continues smoothly.
— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) July 17, 2024
Consistently hitting great areas against both Babar Azam & Fakhar Zaman.
Islamabad United have a gem. pic.twitter.com/nP7ve4ocvS
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