Shadab, Imam to return to Pakistan from South Africa
Centurion
Pakistan captain Babar Azam believed that wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed could play an important role in the team.
Babar Azam hinted that the former skipper would be a regular feature of the Pakistan line-up in the future.
The Pakistan skipper said: “ Our middle-order struggled and I accept it. I accept there is a gap in our middle-order where we are missing a particular kind of player we are trying to fill, which is why we brought Sarfaraz in to try and cover that weakness,”.
He also said that they wanted to get benefit of the experience that was on the bench, and it was the reason that we included Sarfaraz in.
Babar Azam said: “We trust Sarfraz. We’ll utilize him as much as we could as a wicketkeeper and batsman,”.
He further said that he was the player who could move the game alonge at number five.
Sarfaraz was included in the playing XI, during the third ODI, for the first time in 15 months after both Danish Aziz and Asif Ali failed to make an impression during the first two matches.
He made 13 runs during his brief stay at the crease during the third ODI against South Africa.
Pakistan team’s Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq said Thursday Pakistani skipper Babar Azam is polishing his captaincy skills with time and his individual performance is commendable as well.
Pakistan beat South Africa by 28 runs and clinched the series 2-1 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, after the Proteas failed to reach the 321-run target.
South Africa went down but they put up a good fight — as losing four key members to the Indian Premier League (IPL) wasn’t ideal for the Proteas.
The head coach, speaking during a virtual press conference, said Pakistan’s ODI series win against South Africa had boosted the team’s confidence and would prove fruitful for the matches to come.
However, he said there is a need for the middle and lower-middle order to score runs. “Our spinners need to perform better as the [two] upcoming world cups are in India.”
The head coach, lauding the team’s fast bowlers, said the pacers are doing well, and the addition of Faheem Ashraf to the squad was rewarding.
Misbah said the management would add youngsters to the squad according to the schedule and requirements.
National Cricke’s two players Imamul Haq and Shadab Khan would return from South Africa to Pakistan, the latest reports said.
Both the players will fly back to Pakistan on the morning of April 10 after taking part in the ODI series.
Shadab Khan will fly to Islamabad while Imam will reach Lahore.
Fakhar Zaman was due to reach back home with Imamul Haq but he was retained after his excellent performance in the 3rd ODI against South Africa.
Shadab Khan who was replaced by 33-year old Zahid Mehmood for Zimbabwe T20Is, is returning home after he fell injured and his thumb was affected during the ODI match against South Africa.—APP
