Player Stats

Naseem Shah Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Team Player

Naseem Shah

Bowler (Fast)

Naseem Shah is a vital part of Pakistan’s pace battery for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Often described as a bowler with “poetry in motion” due to his smooth, fluid action, he will spearhead the attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Player Profile

  • Born: February 15, 2003 (Age 22)

  • Birthplace: Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

  • Role: Right-arm Fast Bowler

  • Nickname: “Lillee Shah” (a nod to the legendary Dennis Lillee)

  • Relations: His younger brothers, Hunain Shah and Ubaid Shah, are also rising fast-bowling talents in Pakistan.

2026 Status & Recent Form

  • Return to ICC Events: After missing the 2025 Asia Cup (which “raised many eyebrows”), Naseem’s return for the 2026 World Cup is a major boost for the team’s balance.

  • Fitness & Selection: Despite some injury struggles in late 2023, he was declared fully fit and satisfactory for the 2026 squad. His most recent outing was the T20I series against Sri Lanka in January 2026, where he picked up 1/35 in the final match.

  • T20 League Success: He has been a consistent performer in the PSL for Islamabad United and has also gained international experience in leagues like the ILT20 (playing for Desert Vipers) and The Hundred.

    Key Role in the 2026 World Cup

    • Powerplay and Death: With the omission of Haris Rauf, the burden of death bowling falls more heavily on Naseem. He is expected to hit “hard lengths” during the powerplay and use his searing yorkers in the final overs.

    • The “India” Factor: Naseem has a history of high-level performances against India, including his famous 3/21 in the 2024 World Cup. He is expected to be a key weapon in the clash on February 15, 2026.

    • Lower-order Hitter: While primarily a bowler, fans still remember his two consecutive sixes against Afghanistan in 2022. He remains a dangerous tail-ender who can clear the ropes if needed.

    Interesting Fact: Naseem is the youngest bowler in history to take a Test hat-trick (at 16 years, 359 days) and the second-youngest to take a five-wicket haul in Tests.