Umar Akmal recalled for South Africa ODIs

Tanvir, Wahab also included as Haris, Anwar overlooked for five-match series.


Our Correspondent October 19, 2013
Umar Akmal, Sohail Tanvir and Wahab Riaz have been included in the One-Day International squad for the South Africa series. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI:


The national selection committee has recalled talented batsman Umar Akmal, who was declared fit for selection last month after missing out on the Zimbabwe tour, for the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa starting from October 30.


Additionally, pacer Wahab Riaz has also returned to the 50-over format after being overlooked against Zimbabwe while all-rounder Sohail Tanvir too has found his way back after consistent performances in the Twenty20 format around the world.

The southpaw is elated and feels he is ready to fortify his presence in the ODI format as well.

“I am glad to make a comeback after a year in the wilderness,” Tanvir told The Express Tribune. “My goal would be to cement my spot in the playing XI and make most of the conditions in the UAE.”

Middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who had a decent Twenty20 debut against Zimbabwe, has also got the nod for the ODI team. On the other hand, those who have been dumped by the selectors include Anwar Ali, Asad Ali and Haris Sohail.

Interestingly, the selectors have opted against including opener Khurram Manzoor and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar despite their fine form in the first Test, while Abdul Razzaq also failed to make his way in the 16-member squad even though the veteran all-rounder had been training hard at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

It’s a balanced squad: Mohsin

Former chief selector and head coach Mohsin Khan feels that squad announced for ODIs is symmetrical.

“Overall, it’s a very balanced squad that has been announced for the one-dayers,” said Mohsin.

The 58-year-old expressed faith in Abdur Rehman, stating that he remains the premier left-arm spinner for Pakistan despite Babar performing well in his short international career.

“Rehman has performed well every time he got a chance, so Babar will have to wait for a crack at the ODI format. My best wishes are with the team and hopefully they will continue the momentum after their first Test victory throughout the series.”

‘Misfiring players have to perform now’

Former skipper Rashid Latif warned that misfiring players would have to perform, failing which they could be axed.

“Those who have been inconsistent would have to perform now otherwise they would be axed,” said Latif. “There is competition among openers, middle-order slots, spin department and among pacers as well.”

Latif also criticised the selectors for dropping Anwar and Haris without giving them a proper run. “Ali and Sohail are both victims of the selectors despite being the future of Pakistan.”

ODI Squad

Misbahul Haq (c) Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Sohaib Maqsood

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2013.

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