Fast bowlers must focus on discipline rather than sheer pace to succeed in the ongoing tri-nation series and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, says Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah.
Pakistan is hosting both tournaments, with the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19. The tri-nation series, featuring South Africa and New Zealand alongside the hosts, has two matches left—Pakistan’s clash against South Africa on Wednesday and the final on Friday.
To qualify for the final, Pakistan must recover from their 78-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener. The match saw Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi concede 70 and 88 runs, respectively, raising concerns about their form and effectiveness.
Both pacers have faced criticism over fitness and declining speeds, but Naseem believes pace isn’t everything. He emphasized that accuracy and control matter more than sheer speed.
“In the last match, I still bowled around 140, which is normal in one-day cricket,” Naseem said during a press conference at the National Bank Stadium on Monday. “If you look at fast bowlers worldwide, only a few consistently bowl at 145-150.
“In my opinion, bowling at 137-140 with precision and control is still impactful. The key is maintaining discipline and accuracy rather than just focusing on speed. Execution is far more important.”
Pakistan’s defeat against New Zealand has raised questions about their ability to compete in the Champions Trophy, but Naseem remains confident. He believes the team has identified its mistakes and is working on improvements.
“As international players, we know when we make mistakes,” he said. “We discuss and work on correcting them. It’s all about learning, putting in the effort, and delivering on the field. Our aim is to overcome our shortcomings through hard work and stronger performances.”
Pakistan will start their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand before facing India in Dubai on February 23. While the match against India is one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters, Naseem insists the team is keeping its focus on the bigger goal.
