Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik return to the Twenty20 squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. PHOTO: AFP
The two matches will be played on November 13 and 15 in Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the 14-player squad which included Umar Akmal, who will be returning as a wicket-keeper–batsman after missing the tour of Zimbabwe.
Abdur Rehman was the other player to return, replacing Zulfiqar Babar, who will miss the upcoming series due to a hand injury. Apart from Babar, youngsters Asad Ali, Anwar Ali and Haris Sohail besides Sarfraz Ahmed have all been left out.
“These matches will be a tough test which is why we have named an experienced team,” PCB’s selector Saleem Jaffar told The Express Tribune. “We experimented against Zimbabwe, which we cannot afford against tough opponents like South Africa.”
On the inclusion of Razzaq and Malik, the selector said that both players have the credentials to deliver performances, especially in the shortest format.
“Razzaq is experienced and his batting can be very useful,” said Jaffar. “Same is the case with Malik who also has the added advantage of being a good fielder, and captain [Mohammad Hafeez] is very confident of him making a successful comeback.
“We have included both the senior players with next year’s World Twenty20 in sight, so that by regaining form, they both can strengthen the team for the mega tournament [in March-April 2014].”
Razzaq last played in the 2012 World Twenty20, after which he was supposedly axed because of his media statements against Hafeez. Meanwhile, Malik lost his place in the Twenty20 squad following his failure with the bat in the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Twnety20 squad
Hafeez (captain), Nasir Jamshaid, Ahmad Shahzad, U Akmal (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Malik, Abdur Rehman
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2013.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS (9)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1719319701-0/BeFunky-collage-(10)1719319701-0-165x106.webp "article")
1732012115-0/Untitled-design-(14)1732012115-0-270x192.webp "cm launches 2nd phase of scholarship scheme")
1734946202-0/Express-Tribune-(6)1734946202-0-270x192.webp "govt declares public holiday on december 25")
1734899716-0/image-(15)1734899716-0-270x192.webp "trade war between us and china round two")
@Blithe: I think Misbah's batting style suits more in Test and ODI rather than T20.
@NV: Thank you! If you want to replace Umar Amin then include a proper batsman not an alrounder. But ofcourse, you can swap Zulfiqar Babar with Abdur Rehman. Currently, Zulfiqar Babar is having an injury.
@Razzaq: Why? I think Shoaib Malik is the best T20 player in a current lot. Plus he is a wonderful fielder, can easily save 6-7 runs in a match.
Misbah should be brought back to T20 side !!
@Blithe Misbah isn't a T20 materiel why don't give Shoaib a chance
hey shaharyar..perfect lineup..its just that id replace umar amin with zulfiqar babar....amin has been inconsistent thus far...and babar can bowl lethally..and score 20ish runs down the order post afridi..incase there is a batting collapse..
Either that or bring in Nazir..he recently scored 189 off just 83 balls..damn!
@Blith Misbah isn't a T20 material, lets give shoaib a chance
@Blithe: Mishab in T20, No way!!!
I would replace Shoiab in your list with Misbah !
My team, order by Batting.
1 - Hafeez (Captain) 2 - Ahmad Shahzad 3 - Umar Amin 4 - Umar Akmal (Wicket-keeper) 5 - Shoaib Malik 6 - Abdul Razzaq 7 - Shahid Afridi 8 - Abdur Rehman 9 - Saeed Ajmal 10 - Junaid Khan 11 - Mohammad Irfan
Good Luck!