Shahzad: ‘Dale Steyn is not dangeous’

Afghanistan batsman Mohammad Shahzad caused a bit of a flutter at the World T20 post-match press conference, having lost to South Africa, saying that paceman Dale Steyn is 'not dangerous'.
Steyn did not play in the match, as the pitch was deemed not suited to him, and Shahzad caused journalists to laugh when he said, in all seriousness, that Steyn would not have posed a threat on the day.
Shahzad had a good game though, despite the 37-run defeat, scoring 44 runs inside five overs as his team gave the Proteas a bit of a scare. They were all out for 172, chasing the 210 the Proteas set.
Shahzad said after the match: "It doesn't matter which bowler is playing because the wicket is very good, you see. I love playing Dale Steyn because Dale Steyn is not dangerous.
"Morris is very dangerous because he has height and swings the ball. Dale Steyn [has] only pace, so this wicket is good to face a pacer, the ball is coming onto the bat. So no, I am not happy that Dale Steyn is not playing.
"I play my own game because I am waiting for the loose delivery, when I find a loose delivery, whether it is the first ball or last ball of the match, a four-day game, Test match game, I don't care. I just play my own game, like MS Dhoni, you know."
As for their next match, against England, Shahzad said they were confident of being able to beat Eoin Morgan's side: "We will try to play good cricket again, against England and West Indies.
"We know if we beat England, insh'allah, we can beat any team."
Latest
-
News
England fan who waited in Sri Lanka for 10 months excited for cricket to begin
Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, does not know how he will watch the game, but has been offered a Zoom call with Joe Root.
-
News
Dimuth Karunaratne: We have learned from past errors against England
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has challenged his side not to make the same mistakes that saw them slump to a 3-0 series loss.
-
News
I’ve known Dan Lawrence was destined for greatness since he was 16 – Nick Browne
Lawrence was tipped for the top even before his maiden first-class century in 2015.
-
News
Dom Bess could really make mark on Sri Lanka tour, says England captain Joe Root
England captain Joe Root has tipped Dom Bess to use spinning conditions in Galle to prove he can be a leading man in Test cricket.
-
News
On this day in 2009 – Matthew Hayden calls time on international career
The Australia opener scored 8,625 runs in 103 Tests with 30 centuries.
-
News
Justin Langer backs Tim Paine and Steve Smith after criticism
Head coach Justin Langer has come to the defence of Tim Paine and Steve Smith after the pair were criticised for their actions.
-
News
Joe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
Joe Root’s runs and captaincy are likely to be crucial to England’s Test prospects in Sri Lanka, but he stands ready to do his part.
-
News
Steve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
News
Moeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.