Cricketers Naseem Shah and Salman Ali Agha made it to the playing XI of Pakistan against the Netherlands in the first one-day international on Tuesday, making their debut in the limited over game of cricket.

“This is the best feeling as you dream playing for Pakistan when you start playing cricket,” he said in a video message. “I had a passion for cricket. Whenever I got out of home I just thought about cricket.”

The video was recorded by the Pakistan Cricket Board ahead of the pacer’s debut in ODI.

“When I was playing under 16, I was watching a match and [New Zealand]’s Shane Bond was bowling. And when I understood cricket, I aimed at bowling like him. I liked his run-up,” Naseem said.

Later, the pacer added that he learned bowling by watching videos of Pakistan’s stalwarts Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis.

Naseem, who started playing cricket in the streets, shared his learning lessons by saying that a bowler has to show his aggression to the batter, describing it as necessary.

The 19-year-old cricketer hoped that it would be a good season and he come across a lot of positive developments in the team.

Right-hand batter Salman Ali Agha had a similar journey of playing cricket from the streets. “My journey was similar to a proper cricketer as I started playing from a club, then under 16.”

“I am excited. It’s a dream to play for Pakistan and obviously, you cannot explain it in words,” he said and thanked his family for the unconditional support.

Agha idolized former Australian player Michael Clarke, who batted in the middle order for the five-time World Champions of the 50-over game.

He desired to play as a batting all-rounder for the team.

Both cricketers were of the view that professional cricket was the start of a player’s career as the whole world sees the performance to know the debutants’ impact.

Naseem admitted that there were hard times in the future and a player overcomes many hurdles to reach this stage.

Agha hailed the team combination and support from every member.