Naseem Shah Eyes Bigger Goals After Injury Comeback Ahead of ODI Tri-Series
Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is determined to make his injury comeback count, setting his sights on excelling in the forthcoming ODI tri-nation series involving England and Sri Lanka — and ultimately earning a place at his maiden ICC Cricket World Cup.
The 23-year-old pacer, who has 93 international appearances across formats, returned to action during Pakistan’s 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka at home, marking the start of a much-anticipated home international season. Naseem made an immediate impact, registering figures of 3 for 36 in his four overs in the first T20I. In the second match, though wicketless, he bowled two disciplined powerplay overs conceding just nine runs to keep Sri Lanka in check early on.
Eyes on the ODI tri-series
Naseem has been named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series, which gets underway on October 18 with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The three sides will play each other twice before the top two advance to the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi
- October 20: Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi
- October 22: Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi
- October 25: Pakistan vs England, Lahore
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore
- October 29: Sri Lanka vs England, Lahore
- October 31: Final, Lahore
With the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led side beginning preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Naseem is eager to impress in the 50-over format. Pakistan’s World Cup campaign begins on October 8, 2027 against Afghanistan — and the pacer has never played in a World Cup before.
Naseem boasts an impressive ODI record: 60 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 25.91 and a strike rate of 28.3, including two five-wicket hauls. Yet the fast bowler believes his best is still to come. “I feel I’m yet to play my peak cricket,” he said, adding: “My simple goal is to perform so much that there is no need to talk out loud about my goals or performances.”
Battling back from injury
Despite bursting onto the scene as a teenager — famously becoming the youngest bowler to claim a Test hat-trick at just 16 against Bangladesh — Naseem’s seven-year career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. He spoke candidly about the mental toll of rehabilitation, explaining that an injury sends a player back to zero, sometimes not even allowing a run, which makes the rehabilitation programme and understanding one’s own body critically important.
Reflecting on his evolution, Naseem noted that he has changed a lot as a person and cricketer with maturity and experience — while he bowled express pace as a youngster, he has since learned the value of knowing exactly where to bowl.
Maaz Sadaqat eyes 2027 World Cup
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Maaz Sadaqat, who impressed during the T20I series against Sri Lanka but missed selection for the tri-series squad, has set his own long-term target: the 2027 World Cup. His rise underlines how quickly young talent is becoming central to Pakistan’s plans.
As Pakistan’s home season gathers pace, all eyes will be on whether the revitalised Naseem can stay fit and spearhead the attack through the tri-series and beyond.
Sources: Dawn (published October 16, 2026); ICC. Featured image: Nazly Ahmed / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
