(Cricket news) Shoaib Malik has so far batted in three matches for Pakistan in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup scoring 99 runs. In their final group match, Shoaib Malik scored a half century against Scotland in just 18 balls with 6 sixes and a four. Shoaib played his first T20 for Pakistan in 2006 and has since played 121 matches which is the most by any player. Malik was not a part of the 15-member Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup but came in as a replacement for Sohaib Maqsood, who was ruled out due to a back problem.
Shoaib has also been one of the fittest players in the team even though he is the oldest after Mohammad Hafeez who is 41. The right hander batter has been playing international cricket since 1999, he has played 443 matches while scoring 11, 866 runs and taking 218 wickets. He is also a spinner who bowls occasionally although was a regular a decade ago.
The 39 year old will turn 40 in February and he continues to be the pillar of support in the shortest format. Shoaib has scored 2,422 runs in 121 matches with 9 half centuries and 28 wickets. His best season came in 2016 where he scored 370 runs in 15 matches, this year he has played five matches all coming at the World Cup. This was first half century in an ICC event since 2009 at the Champions Trophy. Even though his form has not been like his early years, he is still capable of carrying the burden of the team which he used to in all the formats.
“Well, to be honest, I would say I have self-obsession of seeing myself fit when I look at in the mirror, and most importantly I'm still enjoying playing cricket, and it's helping, as well, end of the day towards the team," said Malik in a press conference after Pakistan outplayed Scotland by 72 runs on Sunday night.
Shoaib was in his best form against Scotland as he walked in 126-3 and scored the fastest half century for Pakistan in T20. He has been a huge asset to the team having been proven that in the last match and has featured in all the matches for the team at the World Cup. He was a key player in the first T20 World Cup in 2007 where Pakistan lost to India in the final and also was influential in the 2009 triumph.Shoaib has featured in all the T20 World Cups for Pakistan except in the 2010 edition.
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