Shoaib Khan wreaked havoc on Canada by adopting Dhoni’s strategy, gave UAE its first win in T20 World Cup

Shoaib Khan Inspired By MS Dhoni: In the Group D match of T20 World Cup 2026 against Canada, UAE batsman Shoaib Khan led the team to victory by scoring 51 runs in 29 balls in difficult times and boosted the morale of his team. After the match, Shoaib said that while chasing the target, he took inspiration from the batting style of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Playing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Shoaib made a decisive partnership of 84 runs in 43 balls with opener Aryansh Sharma. Shoaib hit four sixes and four fours in this innings. He said, “When I came to the crease, the situation was quite challenging. We had to score runs at the rate of 12 runs per over. I played with patience and composure, as Dhoni always does.”

Shoaib belongs to Gaya, Bihar

Shoaib started his cricket career from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi and grew up in Gaya, Bihar. He told that he started playing professional cricket in UAE in 2021 and also worked as a financial advisor. He said that I have reached here because of the support of my wife, daughter and parents. This was the opportunity to prove the struggle of the last few years right.

What did Shoaib say about coach Lalchand Rajput?

He also thanked his coach Lalchand Rajput, who assured him of getting a chance in the World Cup. Shoaib said, “My coach assured me that I can show my game by taking time, and this is what helped me achieve success today.”

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Shoaib praised Junaid Siddiqui

Earlier, Shoaib also praised Junaid Siddiqui, who took five wickets in this match. He said, “Junaid is our senior bowler and his bowling experience is very important for the team. He changed the match in his favor by planning the slow ball.” This was Shoaib’s fourth T20I match and he proved that with struggle and patience any player has the ability to win the match in difficult times.