Asia Cup 2023: One benched player in Super 4s from each team who deserves regular chances in playing XI
Here are players who were benched for most of Asia Cup 2023 by their teams, but can do with more chances.
3. Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan)
Abdullah Shafique is a talented opening batter, who has been a Test regular for Pakistan since making his debut in 2021. He has 1220 runs in 14 Tests with 4 centuries with a best of 201. Shafique has been seen as a backup opener and made his ODI debut against the Netherlands. He could only manage 28 runs in three matches.
He was taken to the Asia Cup 2023 by Pakistan but warmed the bench with Imam Ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman opening the innings. It was only in the Super 4s stage match against Sri Lanka, which they had to win to qualify for the final that Pakistan opted to drop Fakhar due to form and bring Shafique in. In a twist, Pakistan had to bring back Fakhar, as Imam fell ill and the left-hander opened with a newbie.
Pakistan batted first and while Fakhar’s poor form continued, Abdullah Shafique showed why he needs to be a regular in Pakistan's limited overs scheme. He scored 52 runs in 69 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Shafique also added 64 runs for the second wicket with captain Babar Azam to lay a good foundation for a big score.
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