Naseem Shah Targets Peak Form After Injury-Hit Return

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah says he is working towards his best form after returning to international cricket following a seven-month absence caused by injury setbacks. The 23-year-old said experience and maturity have changed how he approaches his bowling and the demands of the game.

Naseem made an immediate impact in the opening T20 international against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 9. In his first match back, he took three wickets for 36 runs from four overs and struck with his fifth legal delivery.

The right-arm pacer said injuries can force a player to rebuild from the beginning, making rehabilitation and an understanding of the body essential. He has previously missed significant competition, including the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, while a back injury during the 2026 Pakistan Super League also interrupted his progress.

His return against Sri Lanka showed encouraging pace. He dismissed the visiting captain with a delivery measured at 136.9 kilometres per hour, then removed two more batters late in the innings, including one with a 141.9kph ball that hit the stumps.

Although he did not take a wicket in the second T20 international, Naseem conceded only nine runs in two powerplay overs. He said modern white-ball cricket requires bowlers to expand their skills, understand batters’ thinking and adapt to high-scoring conditions.

Rawalpindi remains a notable venue in his career. In February 2020, during his fourth match for Pakistan, he became the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick when he achieved the feat against Bangladesh at 16 years and 359 days.

Naseem is also part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming one-day international tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka, which forms part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He has taken 60 wickets in 34 one-day internationals and says his aim is to stay fit, find consistent rhythm and earn a place at his first senior World Cup.