'It’s like we’ve found a new Shoaib Akhtar' - Azhar Mahmood heaps praise on Shahnawaz Dahani after PSL 2021 heroics

Shahnawaz Dahani is the biggest find of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 and not many can argue over this. The right-arm pacer bowled several spectacular spells in the marquee event and played a vital role in taking Multan Sultans to their maiden title. In fact, Dahani finished the competition as the highest wicket-taker, having scalped 20 wickets in 11 outings. Needless to mention, the youngster is receiving praises from worldwide, and many also him as the future leader of Pakistan’s pace attack.

Multan Sultans bowling coach Azhar Mahmood is not of a different opinion either. Heaping massive praises on the 22-year-old, the former Pakistan all-rounder pointed out Dahani’s ability to stay calm when the batsmen are on song. Mahmood even believes that Pakistan might have found a new Shoaib Akhtar in Shahnawaz Dahani.

This is just a start for Shahnawaz Dahani: Azhar Mahmood

“Dahani is always smiling, whether he’s been hit or now. The whole team lights up. It’s like we’ve found a new Shoaib Akhtar. This is just a start for him; we’ll work on his out-swingers, on his in-swinger. There are things I will write down in a report for the Pakistan bowling coach all the things he needs to work on,” Cricwick quoted Mahmood as per saying.

These are indeed massive words from Mahmood as Akhtar is regarded as one of the most fearsome bowlers to have ever stepped onto the cricket field. A veteran of 444 international wickets, Akhtar gave nightmares to many prominent batters in his illustrious career and took Pakistan to many victories. He, in fact, holds the record of delivering the fastest ball in international cricket, 161.3 kmph against England in 2003.

Hence, it would be interesting to see if Dahani can rise to his coach’s expectations and replicate Akhtar’s heroics in the international arena. He indeed has shown great promise in his early as his performance in PSL 2021 was nothing but exceptional. The right-arm pacer clocked good speeds and also showcased his ability to swing the ball.

Riding on his brilliance, the Mohammad Rizwan-led Sultans got their hands on the elusive trophy. In the post-match presentation, Shahnawaz mentioned that the team management showed faith in him and he’s happy to deliver. “This was my first year, Multan Sultans showed faith in Dahani and Dahani repaid. Now we’re both PSL champions,” said Dahani .