Shahid Afridi | Usman Khan Pakistan Debut: Afridi Calls for ODI Backing

Usman Khan Deserves ODI Backing, Says Afridi: Can He Be Pakistan's Fearless X-Factor

In a Pakistan team brimming with talent but often criticized for inconsistency, the hunt for fearless, attacking batters has never stopped. With the ODI World Cup 2027 beginning to loom on the horizon, every international series counts both for the team’s development and for individuals trying to cement their place. One name generating attention right now is Usman Khan, especially after former skipper Shahid Afridi publicly voiced his support for the Karachi-born batter.

Following Pakistan’s defeat in the first ODI against New Zealand in Napier, Afridi took to social media, quoted by cricket journalist Farid Khan, to call for greater backing for Usman. “Usman Khan should be given an opportunity; he can play fearless cricket,” Afridi remarked, highlighting the aggressive intent Usman showed in his 50-over debut.

A Promising ODI Debut in a Losing Cause

Pakistan may have lost the first ODI by 73 runs, but it wasn’t short of individual highlights. Among them, Usman Khan’s 39 off 33 balls stood out. Facing a well-balanced New Zealand attack, the 29-year-old right-hander came in with Pakistan under pressure and counterattacked with natural flair. His innings featured four boundaries and two sixes, offering a glimpse of the kind of explosive batting Pakistan has often lacked in the middle order.

What made the innings more noteworthy was not just the strike rate, but the clarity of intent. In a lineup where many batters tend to go into a shell when chasing big totals, Usman brought urgency something Afridi himself was known for during his playing days.

Why Afridi’s Support Matters

Shahid Afridi is not just a legend of Pakistan cricket; he remains one of the most vocal influencers in its ecosystem. Known for his attacking instincts, Afridi has always championed aggressive cricket. So when he singles out a player like Usman Khan and calls for him to be given "a proper opportunity," it holds weight.

Pakistan cricket has seen many talented batters fade away after a few games due to lack of backing or unclear roles. Afridi’s comments could be a call to break that cycle and make space for players who can change the complexion of a match in a handful of deliveries.

Usman Khan’s Rocky T20I Journey

While his ODI debut made waves, Usman Khan’s T20I journey hasn’t quite taken off. Despite being in the squad for the recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand, he only featured in one game, scoring just 7 runs. The limited opportunity doesn't reflect his potential, considering his explosive record in domestic T20s, especially in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he's delivered match-winning performances for the Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings in past seasons.

What he brings to the table is a blend of intent, power-hitting, and adaptability. At 29, he may not be a teenager on debut, but his maturity and domestic experience can be crucial, especially as Pakistan looks to restructure its middle order for the next ICC events.

Pakistan’s Middle-Order Conundrum

The lack of stability and firepower in Pakistan’s middle order has been a recurring issue in both ODIs and T20Is. Outside of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the team often struggles to accelerate or recover from early wickets. Players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah have had their moments but haven’t nailed down spots with consistent impact.

Usman Khan, with his fearless approach, could be the disruptor that Pakistan needs. He may not be your classical No. 3 or anchor, but as a floating batter between positions 4 and 6, his ability to attack spin and pace alike makes him a valuable asset if he’s given enough game time.

Time to Think Beyond Experiments

Pakistan has often fallen into the trap of rotating players without giving them a proper run, especially in the middle order. In a format like ODIs, where momentum and partnerships matter as much as individual brilliance, players need to be told their role and backed through ups and downs.

Afridi’s call for continuity, especially for players like Usman Khan who show promise and intent, should serve as a reminder to the selectors and team management. With the ODI series still alive, there’s a real opportunity for Pakistan to experiment meaningfully by playing not just new faces, but backing them for multiple games in defined roles.

The Road Ahead for Usman Khan

Usman Khan has already shown what he's capable of in franchise cricket. Now, the stage is bigger, the pressure is higher, and the stakes are greater. If he continues to bat with the same clarity and fearlessness that marked his ODI debut, the selectors will find it hard to ignore him any longer.

The next ODI against New Zealand will be crucial not just for the series but for players like Usman who are on the cusp of breaking through. A strong knock could accelerate his rise, especially with senior players like Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz under scrutiny for inconsistent performances.