IMAGE: AFP

Three months ago, Saud Shakeel was far from being selected for the World Cup, but his exhilarating half-century in Friday's victory against the Netherlands highlighted his amazing and quick ascent up the cricketing food chain.


Shakeel technically made his ODI debut in England in 2021, but until he scored a stunning double century in a Test in Sri Lanka in July, he was largely forgotten about.


The 28-year-old, who was once thought of as a Test specialist, was included to Pakistan's team for the three-match series against Afghanistan in August, but he only participated in one game, in which he scored nine runs.


However, the team's management, led by managers Rehan-ul Haq and Hasan Cheema in charge of strategy and analytics, stood by him and persuaded chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq to keep him for the Asia Cup.

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Pakistan lost to India and Sri Lanka throughout the tournament, which resulted in their elimination.


Shakeel may have benefited from not participating in any games because he was selected for the 15-man World Cup squad in place of all-arounder Faheem Ashraf.


Shakeel's tenacious 53-ball 75 during the exhibition game against New Zealand provided flashes of what he is capable of.


With an innings-reviving 52-ball 68, which included nine boundaries and a six, he made himself the toast of Pakistan's batting on Friday, leading Pakistan to a fightable 282 after they had fallen to a dangerous 38-3.


At the post-game celebration, Shakeel said, "I am very happy to have contributed to my team winning. "I tried to follow my basics and be positive for my team despite having early nerves."


Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, who each made 68, contributed 120 runs for the fourth wicket.


Pakistan won by 81 runs after dismissing the Netherlands for 205 in 41 overs to begin their World Cup campaign.


Shakeel acknowledged that his initial luck was good.


The left-hander remarked, "I was fortunate to get early boundaries. "We (with Rizwan) discussed that the pressure would transfer if we score, which did happen."


Future megastar 


Shakeel made his mark, according to former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made the prediction before Shakeel's Test debut against England in December of last year.


Shakeel has the talent and personality to succeed as a star, according to Sarfaraz's assessment from a year ago. "Take my word, Shakeel will be the next big star for Pakistan."


In an otherwise 3-0 rout by England, who continued their fierce Bazball tactic of destroying the opponents, Shakeel was the standout player for Pakistan.


After Babar Azam's 348, Shakeel scored 346 runs in six innings, which is second-highest for Pakistan.


He was on track after scoring his unbeaten first Test century against New Zealand in Karachi in January, but the double hundred against Sri Lanka turned around his World Cup chances.


Shakeel's scoring has been so reliable that he made history by becoming the only batter in the 146-year history of Test cricket to score 50 or more in each of his first seven matches. His incredible record currently stands at six half-centuries and two centuries at a Bradmanesque average of 87.50.


"I've been working really hard," Shakeel stated. "I attempted to work on my shots, attack choices, and bravery because I knew I'd be batting No. 5 in the lineup. My confidence has been increased by the coaching staff.


He duly gave his home team's coach Hanif Malik his man-of-the-match trophy.