The Pakistan fast bowler returned with three wickets against Sri Lanka after seven months out of international cricket and is aiming to build consistency ahead of the ODI tri-series and 2027 World Cup.
Web Desk: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah believes the best phase of his cricketing career is still ahead of him as he seeks consistency following repeated injury setbacks and a seven-month absence from international cricket.
The right-arm pacer returned to Pakistan’s side against Sri Lanka on October 9, taking three wickets for 36 runs in four overs in the opening T20 international at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Naseem said maturity and experience had changed his understanding of fast bowling, making tactical awareness increasingly important alongside pace.
“I feel I’m yet to play my peak cricket,” Naseem said, expressing confidence that he could improve further as his career progresses.
The 23-year-old has represented Pakistan in 93 international matches, taking 155 wickets across formats, according to figures reported by The Express Tribune.
Strong return against Sri Lanka
Naseem made an immediate impact in his first international appearance in seven months, striking with his fifth legitimate delivery against Sri Lanka.
He dismissed visiting captain Kusal Mendis after inducing an edge from a delivery clocked at 136.9 kilometres per hour. Later in the innings, he bowled Dunith Wellalage with a delivery recorded at 141.9kph before removing Lahiru Udara two balls later.
His three-wicket performance helped Pakistan make a positive start to the T20I series.
Although he went wicketless in the second T20 international, Naseem conceded just nine runs in two powerplay overs, helping restrict Sri Lanka during the chase.
Pakistan went on to win the three-match T20I series 2-1, according to the International Cricket Council.
Injuries have interrupted his progress
Injuries have repeatedly disrupted Naseem’s international career since his emergence as a teenage fast-bowling prospect.
One of his major setbacks came ahead of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which he missed because of injury.
More recently, he was ruled out of the 2026 Pakistan Super League after suffering an injury during the tournament. The Express Tribune described the latest setback as a back injury, while another contemporary report described a side-strain injury; the precise injury description should be confirmed against the relevant medical or team statement.
Reflecting on the rehabilitation process, Naseem explained that injuries could leave players struggling to regain even their basic fitness.
He stressed the importance of following a rehabilitation programme, understanding the body’s limitations and receiving support from an effective medical team.
The recovery process, he indicated, involves more than returning to fitness: bowlers must also rebuild their rhythm and regain the confidence needed to perform consistently in competitive matches.
Experience is changing his approach to fast bowling
Naseem said his approach had evolved as he gained experience, with greater emphasis on understanding the purpose behind each delivery.
He acknowledged that young fast bowlers often focus heavily on generating speed, but argued that maturity brings a better understanding of tactics and match situations.
“You do bowl express pace when you are young and new in the sport, but now I think that you also need to have some sense in terms of what you are trying to do,” he said.
He also highlighted the increasing challenges facing bowlers in modern limited-overs cricket, where batting-friendly conditions and the demand for high-scoring contests can make it difficult to contain opponents.
According to Naseem, bowlers need a broader range of skills and must learn to challenge batters psychologically rather than relying on pace alone.
The approach reflects his stated aim of becoming a more complete bowler as he moves into the next phase of his career.
ODI tri-series offers another opportunity
Naseem is part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming one-day international tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka.
The competition is expected to provide an opportunity for players to strengthen their claims for places in Pakistan’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on October 8, 2027, according to the ICC.
Naseem will be looking to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the 50-over format, having missed the 2023 tournament.
His ODI record includes 60 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 25.91, with two five-wicket hauls. He took 5-33 against the Netherlands in August 2022 and 5-57 against New Zealand in January 2023.
The upcoming matches against England and Sri Lanka will give him further opportunities to demonstrate his form and adaptability in the longer limited-overs format.
Naseem keeps his focus on performance
Despite the interruptions to his career, Naseem said he preferred to concentrate on performances rather than make public declarations about his ambitions.
“My simple goal is to perform so much that there is no need to talk out loud about my goals or performances,” he said.
He added that maintaining fitness and bowling with a good rhythm would be important to realising his potential.
For Pakistan, Naseem’s return offers another fast-bowling option as the team builds towards future international commitments. His ability to remain fit and deliver consistent performances will be central to his prospects over the coming months.
His comeback against Sri Lanka was an encouraging start, but the next challenge will be to sustain that level across formats and remain available for selection.
