Pakistan may have unearthed a new batting sensation in Hasan Nawaz, a young cricketer whose early performances in the international arena have sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. But according to former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad, there is still a crucial element missing in the youngster’s game that could determine whether he becomes a truly world-class player.
A Bright Start to International Cricket
The 22-year-old right-hander made an immediate impact in ODI cricket, earning the man of the match award on debut after guiding Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over the West Indies. His unbeaten 63 runs in that innings showcased maturity, shot selection, and composure under pressure.
Hasan followed that up with another confident knock of 36 not out in challenging conditions, reinforcing his reputation as a promising prospect for Pakistan’s middle order. His ability to find the boundary and accelerate when needed has drawn comparisons to some of Pakistan’s finest stroke-makers.
Sadiq Mohammad’s Honest Assessment
Despite the early hype, Sadiq Mohammad believes Hasan Nawaz is still a work in progress. While praising the youngster’s power-hitting skills, the veteran warned that relying solely on big shots is not enough to thrive at the international level.
“He needs to work on his ground strokes and aim to play in front of the square,” Sadiq told a local media outlet. “Improving his wrist work is crucial. In ODIs, you have the time — rotating the strike, picking singles and twos is just as important as hitting boundaries. Quality bowlers will exploit weaknesses if they remain unaddressed.”
Sadiq also stressed the importance of strike rotation and building an innings, highlighting Babar Azam as a perfect example of a player who balances boundaries with consistent scoring through smart placement and running between the wickets.
The Road to Becoming World-Class
Hasan Nawaz has played only 16 international innings so far, which means his career is still in its early stages. However, the signs of natural talent are evident. His confidence at the crease, combined with an ability to clear the ropes at will, makes him a dangerous player in limited-overs cricket.
That said, transitioning from a promising youngster to a world-class batter requires adaptability, consistency, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations against top-tier opposition. Developing wrist strength and front-of-the-square stroke play could help him dominate in all conditions, especially against quality pace and spin attacks.
Guidance and Mentorship Could Be the Key
With Mike Hesson backing him and Pakistan’s coaching staff committed to his development, Hasan Nawaz has access to the kind of mentorship young cricketers dream of. Working on his technique, shot selection, and situational awareness could help him become a more complete player capable of delivering match-winning performances across formats.
If he embraces feedback from senior players and focuses on fitness, mental strength, and adaptability, Hasan could be the middle-order anchor Pakistan has been searching for in modern cricket — a player who blends aggression with intelligence.
Pakistan’s Search for Modern-Day Match-Winners
Over the years, Pakistan cricket has produced countless batting talents, but not all have successfully transitioned into long-term match-winners. The modern game demands more than just raw ability — it requires discipline, versatility, and the hunger to improve with every innings.
Hasan Nawaz has already captured the imagination of fans with his power-hitting prowess, but the real test will be whether he can consistently contribute across different formats and conditions. If he manages to address the missing ingredient Sadiq Mohammad has pointed out, he could well be one of the defining batsmen of Pakistan’s next cricketing era.
Bottom Line: Hasan Nawaz’s journey is only beginning. With natural talent, early success, and guidance from seasoned mentors, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. But as Sadiq Mohammad has made clear — to be truly world-class, Hasan must perfect the art of strike rotation, wrist play, and ground strokes while maintaining his explosive boundary-hitting skills.
Hi, I’m Zaheer Shah, a contributor and reporter at TezzLive.com. I have a strong passion for storytelling and believe that accurate, timely news can make a real difference in people’s lives. My work focuses on delivering reliable updates, in-depth analysis, and human-interest stories that connect with our readers.