Returning to form: Pakistan better Shaf than sorry

Asad Shafiq scores superb century to leave visitors on top against England

KARACHI: Middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq repaid the team management’s faith with an important century for Pakistan after being promoted to bat at number four only for the fourth time in his Test career.

Former Test cricketer and selector Tauseef Ahmad praised Asad for scoring a century which has given Pakistan hope of winning this Test against England in the final Test of their four-match series.

“Asad has scored one of the most important centuries of his career, as this has now given Pakistan hope of winning this Test and levelling this series,” Tauseef told The Express Tribune. “He has grabbed the opportunity to bat at number four with both hands, while Younus Khan also played well.”

Tauseef praised Yasir as well for his gutsy stay as nightwatchman and said the visitors should bat for as long as possible.

“Asad played an outstanding innings while Azhar and Younus were good too but we can’t overlook Yasir’s effort because that really gave confidence to others in dressing room as he survived the tough early period bravely,” said Tauseef. “It’s important Pakistan to bat as long as they can because the rough marks are forming now and Yasir will definitely come into play in the third innings.”

Resuming the day on 3-1 after England had claimed the wicket of young opener Sami Aslam on day one, Azhar and Yasir put on a 49-run stand to help Pakistan survive the early burst.

Asad was edgy initially but survived as he and Azhar accumulated 75 runs together before the makeshift opener was dismissed on 49 by Moeen Ali.

The out-of-form Younus then joined Asad out in the middle and put on a century stand that gave Pakistan the upper hand.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2016.

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