Shaheen Shah records the best bowling figures by a Pakistani on FC debut

Shaheen Shah, the 17-year-old pacer from Pakistan is making rounds in the news again this time after his debut in the Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The left-arm pacer caught everyone’s eye with the clips of his bowling going viral on social media where he clocked speeds of 145+ kmph. The youngster who has the skill of swinging the ball either ways along with bowling at an express pace made his first-class debut on Tuesday.

Playing for Khan Research Laboratories’ team, Shaheen picked up an 8-wicket haul in the 2nd innings of the game against home team Rawalpindi. He recorded bowling figures of 1/45 in his 19 overs in the first innings of the game bowling three maidens he stunned everyone by taking eight wickets in the 2nd outing. He recorded figures of 15-6-39-8; the best for a Pakistan player on first-class debut.

The 17-year-old broke the record of Nadeem Malik, who had figures of 8/58 in 24.3 overs on his debut for Lahore Reds way back in 1973/74 season in Punjab Tournament. He recorded this feat in the first innings of his opposition team, Sargodha, who ended up winning the game despite Nadeem’s efforts as the bowler picked up a 7-wicket haul in the 2nd innings as well.

Shaheen Shah became the 3rd Pakistan player to take eight wickets in an innings on first-class debut as Shafiq Ahmed of Bahawalpur also achieved the feat. Shafiq Ahmed took 8/111 in his 34.1 overs in the first innings of Karachi Blues during the 1994/95 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy game. Shafiq Ahmed also was on losing side like Nadeem Malik as the Karachi Blues won by a huge 217 runs.

Shaheen Shah could also end up on the losing side as his side lost three wickets for eight runs including his wicket while chasing a total of 183. The Rawalpindi side were bowled out in their first innings for 174 runs while Khan Research Laboratories managed to post just 131 in the reply. Shaheen’s 8-fer restricted Rawalpindi to 139 in the 2nd innings though they had extended their lead to 182 runs by then.

Best bowling figures on first-class debut for a Pakistan bowler:

(Stats as on September 27, 2017)