Twitter celebrates as fan-favourite Shahnawaz Dahani takes wicket in 1st over of international career

Published November 22, 2021
Shahnawaz Dahani goes airborne as he celebrates his maiden wicket in international cricket on Monday. Photo courtesy: ICC
Shahnawaz Dahani goes airborne as he celebrates his maiden wicket in international cricket on Monday. Photo courtesy: ICC

Shahnawaz Dahani's rag-to-riches story, the constant smile on his face and his attitude towards the game had made his debut one of the most anticipated ones in Pakistan cricket history.

The 23-year-old pacer's growing legion of fans had been pushing to get his first game for a while now, so when he finally got to make his international debut on Monday in the third and final T20I against Bangladesh, it was a moment to rejoice.

The start to Dahani's career was not ideal as he was hit for four on the first ball he bowled but then he returned with vengeance on the fourth ball, castling Najmul Hossain Shanto with a near yorker.

It was just what his supporters, some of whom former cricketers, wanted and they let their feelings known.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt deemed it a "great start".

Dawn News sports anchor said Dahani was a "proper fast bowler".

Lawyer/activist Jibran Nasir hoped Dahani continued to find success at all levels.

Cricket analyst Has Haroon noted how quick Dahani was in his opening spell.

Fast bowling coach Ian Pont lauded Dahani's "very fine technical action" and tipped him to have "a long and fruitful career in Pakistan colours".

PPP Senator Krishna Kumari did not say much but still showed her support for Dahani, who also hails from Sindh.

Dahani eventually finished with figures of 3-0-24-1, with captain Babar Azam opting not to have him bowl his full quota of overs.

Opinion

Editorial

Exit strategy
Updated 18 Mar, 2026

Exit strategy

MOST members of the international community, particularly states in the greater Middle East, are gravely concerned...
Unsafe trains
18 Mar, 2026

Unsafe trains

SUNDAY’S accident involving the Shalimar Express has once again brought into sharp focus the deep structural and...
Disappointment in Dhaka
18 Mar, 2026

Disappointment in Dhaka

FOR a side looking for lift-off after a disappointing T20 World Cup, it was despair for Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ...
Missing in action
17 Mar, 2026

Missing in action

NOT exactly known for playing a proactive role in protecting the interests of Muslim nations and populations...
Risk to stability
Updated 17 Mar, 2026

Risk to stability

THE risks to Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery from the US-Israel war on Iran cannot be dismissed. Yet the...
Enrolment push
17 Mar, 2026

Enrolment push

THE federal government has embarked upon the welcome initiative to enrol 25,000 out-of-school children in Islamabad...