Naseem Shah named in 15-man Pakistan U-19 World Cup squad

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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16-year-old Naseem Shah, who made his international debut in the recently-concluded Test series against Australia, has been included in the 15-man Pakistan squad for the U-19 World Cup next year. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir will lead the side in the event, which will be held in South Africa.

Although he only had eight first-class matches under his belt, Naseem was picked for the tour of Australia because of his sheer pace and talent. Having shone brightly in the practice game ahead of the two-match series — with Marcus Harris being one of his victims — the youngster was given a chance in the first Test at the Gabba. He didn’t end up having a good time on debut, but the lone wicket he picked up was that of centurion David Warner off a rapid bouncer. 

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Nazir, who has played nine first-class games, did captain the U-19 side in the recently-concluded U-19 Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka — during which he also notched up his maiden Youth one-day ton against India. Haider Ali, an opening batsman who plays for Northern in first-class cricket, will play the deputy role to Nazir.

The two-time champions — in 2004 and 2006 — are placed in Group C alongside Scotland, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh, with their matches scheduled on January 19, 22, and 24 respectively. The top two sides from four groups will progress to the Super League phase which begins on January 28. The top four from the Super League will then clash in the semi-finals, before the final in Benoni on February 9.

Pakistan U-19 World Cup Squad: Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Haider Ali, Mohammad Shehzad, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Rohail Nazir (c) Abbas Afridi, Fahad Munir, Qasim Akram, Amir Ali, Arish Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Naseem Shah, Tahir Hussain, Mohammad Haris. 

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