Naseem marks red-ball return with five-for in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Naseem Shah, the start bowler, had been out of Pakistan’s red-ball setup for months, yet when he came in for Lahore Whites, the rhythm looked familiar. The first ball whistled past the edge, and the crowd leaned forward. You could feel it; something special was brewing.

By the end of the day, he had five wickets. Islamabad were bowled out for 256, and Lahore Whites were on top in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy highlights reel. Naseem’s spell of 5 for 34 tore through the middle order. That one delivery that cleaned up Rizwan Ali, to be honest, had fans gasping. “That was pure class.”

The atmosphere changed with every wicket. Every cheer grew louder. His younger brother, Ubaid, joined in with two of his own, making it a family demolition act. Seven wickets between them. That partnership changed the match, no doubt about it.

It wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about timing. Naseem has spent much of the past year on the sidelines, working on rhythm and strength. This was his first five-for in four years, and it arrived right when Pakistan selectors are rethinking the Pakistan Test squad recall plans ahead of the home season. Now, the competition for pace spots looks different.

When he bowled Islamabad captain Hasan Nawaz, the roar echoed across the ground. You could sense pride mixed with relief. It was as if he had shaken off months of waiting in a single afternoon.

To be fair, not many expected this comeback to be this sharp. His control, speed, and movement all looked effortless. “He’s bowling like he did at 17,” said one teammate after play.

This was vintage Naseem, fast, fearless, and full of intent. The red ball swung, the stumps rattled, and the crowd couldn’t stop talking. He looked like a man with a point to prove.

That one day might just change the conversation about Pakistan’s bowling depth. Because when Naseem Shah bowls like this, everything feels possible again.