The Pakistan cricket team has few positives to take from their series loss to Bangladesh, but they may have at least found a solution to their pace bowling problems in the form of Salman Mirza. The left-armer has made an instant impact on the international stage, surging into the record books with one of the most prolific starts by a Pakistani in T20I cricket.
The 31-year-old pacer has picked up seven wickets in his first three T20Is against the hosts, placing him among the top three Pakistani bowlers with the most wickets in their first three T20I matches. Only Shadab Khan and Usman Qadir stand ahead of him.
| Player | Wickets in First 3 T20Is |
|---|---|
| Shadab Khan | 8 |
| Usman Qadir | 8 |
| Salman Mirza | 7 |
| Zulfiqar Babar | 7 |
Salman Mirza’s early success has caught the eye, not just for the numbers, but for the manner in which he has delivered them. His ability to extract bounce and seam movement was a key asset as he became a constant nuisance in Bangladeshi batters’ plans.
After going unnoticed in the domestic scene, Salman Mirza rose to prominence during Lahore Qalandars’ PSL X title run this year. In a team with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, it was the 31-year-old who played a massive role in their victory by taking key wickets at crucial stages.
With the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup looming, Salman Mirza’s emergence could not be better timed. If he continues this rich vein of form, there’s every chance he’ll be playing a central role in Pakistan’s pace battery for the marquee events ahead.
For now, though, he can savour a small slice of cricketing history—joining some of the best to ever wear the green shirt in making an unforgettable first impression. Whether he stays with the team or becomes a rotational piece, Pakistan’s cricketing lore will not forget his name.