ISLAMABAD - Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz Sunday termed Pakistan victory against Bangladesh impressive but urged the team to focus on removing minor flaws. Sarfraz said Ahmed Shahzad was overdue a big innings. “It was a superb and memorable knock by the opener and he needs to carry on with the momentum in the next match against West Indies.”
He said Ahmed had batted beautiful and played all the strokes in the book and suggested others to follow Ahmed’s classic knock as he established his innings without playing rash or risky strokes at a time when Pakistan needed such innings after Umar Akmal and M Hafeez failed to deliver.
Sarfraz said Sohaib Malik doesn't deserve a place in the playing X and, Sharjeel Khan should have been given the nod ahead of Malik as Malik has been given countless opportunities but he flopped miserably and it makes no sense to take liabilities as everyone must have to earn a place in the team and rather than past records, consistent performers should be included in the playing XI.
“I support Bilawal's exclusion from the squad. He is not justifying his talent. He was very expensive and bowled wayward deliveries in last match and selectors had made the right decision by dropping him. I could have opted to select M Talha for his express pace, which could have made the difference, as Bangladeshi's are not known to play fast bowlers well.”
He said Pakistan should keep their focus on next do-or-die match against West Indies. “Fortunately Gayle is not in the best of forms. Hafeez should chalk out a comprehensive plan to buy Gayle's wicket early. If bowlers managed to provide early breakthrough of Gayle, West Indies would be under enormous pressure. Pakistan bowling had the depth and capability to bowling out any top side but they must not relax. Bowlers gave away precious runs at the end of the Bangladeshi innings and if the matter comes to run rate, Pakistan may suffer and bowlers must understand the importance of finishing off the opponents. Pakistanis are known to relax when they are dictating terms, which is a very dangerous thing and team management must look into this area of grave concern” Sarfraz concluded.