Pakistan more dangerous after SA win: Saeed Ajmal

Ajmal, who couldn't play in the World Cup, says Team Green should not be taken lightly


Web Desk March 08, 2015
Ajmal, who couldn't play in the World Cup, says Pakistan would be far more dangerous after the win against SA. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: After Pakistan's win against South Africa, spinner Saeed Ajmal said on Sunday that the World Cup teams should not take Team Green lightly, NDTV reported.

Ajmal, who didn't play in the tournament as he was undergoing remedial measures for an illegal bowling action, said Pakistan would be a far more dangerous and positive side.

Read: PCB chairman plays down Ajmal’s World Cup chances

"It is a victory that was much needed, " he added.

Read: Pakistan beat South Africa by 29 runs 

"Misbah will retire from ODIs after the World Cup and he will leave a big void in the batting and as captain. I think the PCB needs to start planning on who will replace him and who should be groomed," he said.

Misbah, 40, has announced that while he will continue to play Test cricket after the World Cup he will retire from one-day matches.

Ajmal felt batsman Azhar Ali has the potential to not only perform with the bat like Misbah in recent years but could also be groomed as a captain.

Chasing 232 runs to win under the Duckworth-Lewis method at Eden Park, Pakistan had claimed a third successive victory on March 7 by bowling out the highly-rated Proteas for 202 despite captain AB de Villiers’ valiant 77.

Rahat Ali grabbed a career-best 3-40, Mohammad Irfan (3-52) and Wahab Riaz (3-45) as South Africa, chasing a revised target in 47 overs, were bowled out 33.3 overs.

Pakistan’s innings, twice interrupted by rain before it was reduced to 47 overs, folded in 46.4 overs for 222 with skipper Misbahul Haq scoring 56 and Sarfraz Ahmed making 49.

COMMENTS (2)

Farhan | 9 years ago | Reply Agree with Shazia - Sarfraz should be made ODI captain. If not then they will need to bring in someone like Azhar because right now there is no player who can be an automatic selection for the team. Ahmed Shahzad should not be considered because he doesn't have the temperament or the wits to be a captain. And please - no Akmal or Afridi!! Ideally, Misbah should be requested to continue playing ODIs.
Shazia Bangash | 9 years ago | Reply Sararaz would make an excellent thinking captain, and he did wonderfully as the U-19 skipper. Unfortunately, he comes from Karachi so wont be considered.
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