Explosive English batsman Kevin Pietersen has advised Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad to banish the ‘helicopter shot’ after the 23-year-old announced his comeback to the national side with a fifty against Bangladesh in the World T20 Super 10 fixture on Wednesday.
Shehzad, who regained his slot on the national roster after some controversy regarding his selection, displayed a wide array of shots around the ground in his 39-ball 52.
The right-hander plundered eight boundaries against the Bangladesh bowlers and smartly rotated the strike as well. He featured in two vital partnerships with Sharjeel Khan (26 runs for the first wicket) and Mohammad Hafeez (95 runs for the 2nd wicket) to ensure Pakistan posted 201.
Pietersen congratulated his Quetta Gladiators teammate for his performance.
“Love seeing the good guys do so well! Well done yesterday, @iahmadshahzad!” KP posted on his Instagram account.
“Top batting but leave the helicopter shots to MS & I!” he added.
Pietersen was disappointed that Shehzad did not double his runs but believed that the right-hander did well enough to prove his selection.
“You could have got a 100! Not bad for someone who wasn't selected in the first place,” added the seasoned cricketer.
Shehzad and co. take on arch-rivals India in their second Super 10 match on Saturday at Kolkata.