HYDERABAD: Pakistan’s spin bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan Sunday said the team with the strongest bowling unit, capable of stemming the runs on India’s batting-friendly pitches will win the World Cup.
The 24-year-old is leading Pakistan’s spin attack that has come under severe criticism for not taking wickets in the middle overs.
Shadab himself managed just six wickets in five Asia Cup games last month with four coming against outsiders Nepal in a tournament where Pakistan crashed out in Super Four stage.
But Shadab hoped Pakistan’s bowling can stage a comeback at the World Cup which gets underway on Thursday.
“I think the team that has the best bowling will win the World Cup because the pitches will produce high totals,” Shadab told a news conference.
Pakistan suffered a five-wicket loss to New Zealand in their first warm-up match of the tournament on Friday.
They face Australia in their second warm-up game — also in Hyderabad — on Tuesday before opening their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at the same venue three days later.
Despite losing frontline pacer Naseem Shah to a shoulder injury, Shadab insists Pakistan still boast a world class attack.
“Of course Naseem will be missed, but our bowlers are world class so if we perform well in bowling then we can achieve the best results.”
Leg-break bowler Shadab, who has 88 wickets from 64 ODI matches, vowed to lift his own game in the seven-week World Cup.
“Maybe there was a mental barrier and I think that will not be there now because of the rest I have had. The past is past and when the World Cup matches come I will be playing with a fresh mindset.”
Shadab also backed out-of-form Fakhar Zaman who was not asked to bat in Friday’s warm-up game.
“Fakhar is an impact player, we all know that,” said Shadab of the left-hander who managed just 65 runs in four Asia Cup innings.
“We have given him mental space and we need to back an impact player like him.”
Shadab also said the players were overwhelmed by the hospitality since their arrival in Hyderabad under tight security on Wednesday.
“It’s been a superb welcome. People coming to the hotel and their hospitality has been fantastic.
“The food is delicious. I fear our fat levels and weight will go over the limit!”
He added: “Hopefully, we get the same hospitality in Ahmedabad when we play India,” said Shadab of Pakistan’s high-voltage game against their arch-rivals on October 14.
‘Team with best bowlers’ will win World Cup, says Pakistan’s Shadab Khan
https://arab.news/v2qbv
‘Team with best bowlers’ will win World Cup, says Pakistan’s Shadab Khan
- Criticized for his Asia Cup performance, Khan said he ‘will be playing with a fresh mindset’
- The Pakistani all-rounder praises India’s ‘superb welcome,’ says hospitality has been ‘fantastic’
US approves sale of $686 million tech upgrade, equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets
- US Defense Security Cooperation Agency informs Congress sale will allow Pakistan to partner with US in counterterror efforts, won’t alter regional military balance
- Non-Major Defense Equipment includes aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, and spare and repair parts
ISLAMABAD: The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology support and equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets valued at $686 million, according to a letter sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the American Congress, saying the move would allow Islamabad to partner with Washington in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
As per a copy of the document dated Dec. 8 seen by Arab News, the letter stated that Islamabad has requested to buy 92 Link-16 systems communication/data-sharing networks and six Mk–82 inert 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies. The letter also said that the sale includes non-Major Defense Equipment items such as aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, other weapons integration, test and support equipment such as spare and repair parts.
“The estimated total cost is $686 million,” the DSCA’s letter to Congress reads. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
Pakistan and the US have been key allies in battling militants in the region, with Islamabad counted among Washington’s closes non-NATO allies during the “War on Terror” campaign. The proposed sale takes place as Washington, under US President Donald Trump, warms up to Pakistan after his recent meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The DSCA letter said the sale will maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block–52 and Mid Life Upgrade F–16 fleet.
“These updates will provide more seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter added.
It further said Pakistan has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and “will have no difficulty” absorbing these articles into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the letter said.
The principal contractor for the deal will be Lockheed Martin Company, the DSCA said, adding that the implementation of the sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Pakistan.
“All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Pakistan,” the letter concluded.
The development takes place as Pakistan undertakes efforts to expand its fleet of fighter jets, defense exports and deepen military-industrial partnerships with other countries. Islamabad claimed last month that a “friendly country” signed a memorandum of understanding to procure Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter that Pakistan jointly developed with China, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade. It is designed to replace aging legacy aircraft.
The South Asian country has been eager to assert its regional dominance, especially when it comes to air warfare, after its four-day military confrontation with India in May.
Pakistan claimed it shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the May altercation between the two forces. Indian officials have acknowledged their planes were shot down but have refused to share the exact number, rejecting Pakistan’s claim it had shot down seven.
