Lankan conditions, hectic schedule making it hard for fast bowlers, says Naseem Shah

Despite Pakistan pacers exploits against Afghanistan and India in Sri Lanka, Pakistan's young seamer Naseem Shah Tuesday said that the current weather conditions in Sri Lanka are not easy for the fast bowlers.

It may be noted that the cities hosting the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka are currently witnessing rainy weather and persistent showers.

"The whole team is taking care of themselves as there is a lot of travelling and the weather is hot in Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well," he said.

He added that everyone is trying to recover and stay prepared for the game.

He acknowledged that the hectic schedule can be particularly challenging for fast bowlers. However, as a professional cricketer, he emphasized the importance of accepting and adapting to such schedules.

“To be honest, it is not easy, especially speaking as a fast bowler. But as a professional, no matter what the schedule is, you have to accept it. We try our best to recover well and take care of ourselves while training, especially because we know the weather is hot. There is nothing you can do about the schedule,” Naseem said.

When asked by reporters about the team's expected face-off with arch-rivals India yet again, the pacer said: "Currently the focus is on tomorrow's match. We will see when there is a match with India."

He expressed his wish for Pakistan to reach the finals, no matter against whom the team gets to play.

"It is our wish to win the final," he said.

Naseem, one of the most economical bowlers in the world and in the ongoing Asian event, opened up on his first 50-over encounter against the arch-rivals.

"It was a wonderful experience, I bowled very well. You know the one-day format is different than T20, I have played T20I against them," said the pacer with the best economy rate (3.83) among the Pakistani bowlers.

He added that one needs to bowl with patience in ODIs.

"In the early stages, ball seam and swing movement were helping but you can just do your best and bowl at good lengths, that is what I did," Shah said.

Naseem expressed his anticipation for Pakistan's first Super 4 match on Wednesday in Lahore and emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming games rather than looking too far ahead, including their match against India.

“There are still a few days before the India game. Our focus is on tomorrow’s game, whomever it is against. Our focus is to play our best cricket here and go to Sri Lanka with a win. We will see about the game versus India when it is closer,” he said.

After their first Super 4 game, Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka, where the rest of the tournament will take place.

“The conditions differ in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. We have gotten used to Sri Lankan conditions because of Test series and Lanka Premier League (LPL). Pakistan conditions are slightly different. You have to be disciplined in One-Day cricket, no matter where you are playing, as a bowling unit, you have to produce disciplined bowling, no matter what kind of wicket it is. We are aware of both these places, so we do our best to adjust well,” Naseem said.

“We just want to win the final. It does not matter who we play in the final, we just wish to win it,” he added.