Cricket has always been a game of legends, and Pakistan has a rich history of producing world-class fast bowlers. The latest name making waves in international cricket is Naseem Shah. With his raw pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and fearless attitude, he has become a key player for Pakistan. His performances against New Zealand, in particular, have been nothing short of phenomenal.
In this article, we dive into Naseem Shah’s journey, his record-breaking feats, and why he has become a nightmare for New Zealand’s batsmen.
Breaking Through: Naseem Shah’s First Big Moment Against New Zealand
Every fast bowler dreams of making a statement early in their career, and Naseem Shah did exactly that in January 2023. In the first ODI against New Zealand in Karachi, the young pacer put on a masterclass, dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup with a stunning five-wicket haul.
He ended with figures of 5/57, marking his second five-wicket haul in just four ODIs—a record that speaks volumes about his natural ability. His swing was a perfect mix of pace, swing, and accuracy. One of the standout moments from the game was when he dismissed Devon Conway for a duck in the very first over, immediately putting New Zealand under pressure.
Shattering Records: Fastest to 20 ODI Wickets
Consistency is what separates good bowlers from great ones, and Naseem Shah showed he was here to stay. During Pakistan’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023, he created history by becoming the fastest bowler to take 20 wickets in just six ODIs.
This achievement surpassed New Zealand’s Matt Henry, who previously held the record with 19 wickets in the same number of games. Naseem’s ability to bowl long spells without losing pace and control made him a dangerous asset, proving he wasn’t just a one-match wonder.
Kane Williamson’s Struggle Against Naseem Shah
A true fast bowler’s worth is often measured by how they perform against the best batsmen in the world. For Naseem Shah, one of his most significant moments came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand.
Bowling with sheer aggression and precision, he got the prized wicket of Kane Williamson, one of the most technically gifted batsmen in modern cricket. Williamson, known for his composure under pressure, was undone by a delivery that pitched on a good length, angled in, and took the outside edge straight into the keeper’s hands.
This early breakthrough put Pakistan in control of the game, and once again, Naseem had proven that he was a match-winner.
What Makes Naseem Shah So Special?
Many bowlers have pace, but not all of them can make it count. Naseem Shah stands out because of his ability to combine speed with swing, seam movement, and tactical awareness. Here’s what makes him such a lethal bowler:
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Express Pace: Consistently bowls above 140 km/h, making life difficult for batsmen.
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Swing in Both Directions: Can move the ball both ways, making him unpredictable.
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Pinpoint Accuracy: Unlike many young, fast bowlers, he maintains tight control over his line and length.
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Big-Match Temperament: Performs well under pressure, evident in his performances against New Zealand.
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Variety in Bowling: Uses bouncers, yorkers, and slower deliveries intelligently.
It’s this rare combination of skills that makes Naseem a standout bowler for Pakistan.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Pace Attack
Pakistan has always been known for producing legendary fast bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. In today’s cricket, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah form one of the most fearsome pace attacks in the world.
Naseem brings a unique dimension to this trio. While Shaheen is known for his deadly in-swinging deliveries and Haris Rauf for his pace and aggression, Naseem provides balance with his ability to bowl in all conditions, whether it’s the new ball or in the death overs.
His performances against New Zealand have shown that he has the ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments, a quality that every top team looks for in a fast bowler.
The Road Ahead for Naseem Shah
At just 21 years old, Naseem Shah has already achieved feats that many bowlers take years to accomplish. However, this is just the beginning. With upcoming ICC tournaments and crucial bilateral series, he has the opportunity to further establish himself as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
The key for him now will be maintaining his fitness, adapting to different playing conditions, and continuing to develop his tactical approach. If he does that, there’s no doubt he will be leading Pakistan’s bowling attack for the next decade.
Conclusion
Naseem Shah’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. His performances against New Zealand, whether it’s his five-wicket hauls, record-breaking spells, or crucial wickets like Kane Williamson, have solidified his reputation as a future great.
With his pace, accuracy, and hunger for success, he is well on his way to becoming one of Pakistan’s finest fast bowlers. The world of cricket will be watching closely as he continues to terrorize batsmen and take Pakistan to greater heights.
For Pakistani cricket fans, the future looks bright, and Naseem Shah is undoubtedly a key part of it.