Table of Contents
- Naseem Shah’s Red-Ball Comeback
- Brothers in Arms: Naseem and Ubaid Shine Together
- Match Context: Lahore Whites vs Islamabad
- Naseem’s Career Red-Ball Record
- Why This Innings Matters for Pakistan Cricket
- What Coaches and Teammates Are Saying
- Sources
Naseem Shah’s Red-Ball Comeback
In a powerful statement of intent, Naseem Shah marked his return to red-ball cricket with a commanding five-wicket haul in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition. Bowling for Lahore Whites against Islamabad, the 22-year-old fast bowler ripped through the top and middle order to finish with figures of 5 for 67—his best performance in domestic red-ball cricket since 2023.
After spending much of the past year focused on white-ball formats and recovering from minor fitness setbacks, Naseem’s performance in Rawalpindi sent a clear message: he’s ready to reclaim his place in Pakistan’s Test setup ahead of crucial overseas assignments.
Brothers in Arms: Naseem and Ubaid Shine Together
Adding a heartwarming subplot to the day’s action, Naseem was ably supported by his younger brother, Ubaid Shah, who chipped in with 2 crucial wickets. Together, the Shah brothers accounted for 7 of Islamabad’s 10 dismissals, helping bowl the side out for just 256 in their first innings.
Ubaid, 19, has been making waves in Pakistan’s age-group circuits and recently earned a spot in the national U-19 squad. Watching the siblings operate in tandem—Naseem with his steep bounce and reverse swing, Ubaid with his accuracy and subtle seam movement—was a glimpse into Pakistan’s fast-bowling future.
Match Context: Lahore Whites vs Islamabad
Played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the match is part of the 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Elite group stage. Lahore Whites, stacked with Test aspirants, are using the tournament to fine-tune skills ahead of international duty. Islamabad’s batting lineup, featuring several domestic veterans, struggled against disciplined seam bowling on a pitch offering early assistance.
Lahore Whites responded strongly with the bat, reaching 187 for 3 by stumps on Day 1, with opener Imran Butt scoring a fluent 74.
Naseem’s Career Red-Ball Record
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class (Domestic) | 38 | 142 | 24.8 | 7/41 |
| Test Matches | 19 | 61 | 31.2 | 5/51 |
| Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26 | 1 (so far) | 5 | 13.4 | 5/67 |
Why This Innings Matters for Pakistan Cricket
With Pakistan scheduled to tour Australia and England in 2026, the national selectors are keen to identify seamers who can perform in challenging overseas conditions. Naseem’s ability to generate pace, reverse the old ball, and maintain control over long spells makes him a prime candidate—if he stays fit.
His return to form also eases pressure on the aging Mohammad Abbas and provides healthy competition for Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza. More importantly, it signals depth in Pakistan’s fast-bowling pipeline, now extending to the next generation—represented by none other than his own brother.
What Coaches and Teammates Are Saying
“Naseem bowled like he never left,” said Lahore Whites captain Salman Ali Agha. “He’s hungry, focused, and leading our attack with real authority.”
Pakistan’s chief selector, Haroon Rasheed, was in attendance and later told reporters: “Performances like this remind us why we rate him so highly. Consistency is the next step.”
Meanwhile, Ubaid—modest as ever—credited his brother: “I just tried to follow what Naseem bhai does. He’s my biggest inspiration.”