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Cricket World Player of the Week - Abdullah Shafique

©CWM

22-year-old Pakistan Test opener Abdullah Shafique is taking big strides in international cricket.

He may have played just six Test matches on the back of only nine First-Class games but looks more assured and exciting than many veterans.

The new Pakistan Test opener has already scored 720 runs from just 11 innings in Test cricket and possesses a brilliant average of 80.00 with two centuries and four half-centuries.

Abdullah Shafique recently scored his career best of 160 not out in the last innings of the first Test match of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Galle to take his team to a memorable four-wicket victory.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 218 in their first innings and were set a daunting target of 342 in the final innings on a Galle surface which was assisting spinners. Abdullah Shafique was bold enough to trust his defence on a pitch where many others wouldn't have had the same courage and tried to swing for the hills.

Taking a cue from Babar Azam's century in Pakistan's first innings, Shafique remained unbeaten on 160 and played out 408 deliveries which is an achievement in itself.

The young opener batted for 524 minutes and was measured in his approach, hitting just 7 boundaries and one six while batting at a strike rate of under 40 which was the need of the hour.

Shafique concentrated on defence and pinching singles to take Pakistan to a famous Test victory. The outcome was worth it as he not only struck his highest score but received high praise from captain Babar Azam as Pakistan went 1-0 up in the series