Series-decider: Ajmal reinforces Pakistan attack

Ace spinner’s return crucial against Sri Lanka in third ODI.

KARACHI:

Pakistan will welcome back ace spinner Saeed Ajmal for the all-important decider against hosts Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Saturday as the one-day series remains level at 1-1.

Ajmal missed the first two ODIs of the series for a bowling action test in Australia after his deliveries were called into question by on-field umpires.

However, he rejoined the squad a couple of days back, giving him ample time to practice before the important clash.

Former skipper Rashid Latif said Ajmal’s comeback will most definitely make a difference to Pakistan’s bowling form which has presented itself as mediocre at best.

“Ajmal is still one of the best bowlers in the world when it comes to the 50-over format and his presence will lift Pakistan’s bowling, which has been ineffectual so far,” Latif told The Express Tribune.

Latif also predicted that it’s not just the ODI series on the line, but Misbahul Haq’s captaincy as well.

“Pakistan have already lost the Test series and a similar result in the one-day game could end Misbah’s stint as captain.”

‘Umar should be further down the batting order’

The former captain believes Umar Akmal should be demoted in the batting order, having struggled to make an impact at number four. He called for Sohaib Maqsood or Misbah to bat before the wicketkeeper-batsman.

Akmal scored only 15 runs in the first ODI, and went downhill from there in the second after getting dismissed with just one run to his name.

On the other hand, Maqsood played a blinder, scoring a 73-ball 89 to propel Pakistan to a four-wicket win in the first ODI.

“Akmal should be demoted to bat at number six or seven because he hasn’t been useful at number four and Pakistan should promote Maqsood in his place or even Misbah would be better,” advised Latif.

Tauseef backs Ajmal to deliver again

Former off-spinner Tauseef Ahmed said that Ajmal will have to shrug off the pressure because Pakistan’s hopes rest on him.

“There are expectations and pressure on Ajmal after recent episodes but he is capable enough to perform even in these circumstances,” said Tauseef. “He’s been our match winner for several years and I’ve no doubt that he will deliver again.

“I think Pakistan also made a mistake by playing too many batsmen. The management should use a balanced approach.”

Irfan faces fitness issue, Sharjeel to be dropped

It has been learnt that fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan faces a late fitness test before the match, while opener Sharjeel Khan will be dropped to make way for Ajmal.

“Irfan’s fitness is a doubt for the third ODI and Anwar Ali may come in to replace him,” revealed a team management official. “Furthermore, Sharjeel will be dropped in order to accommodate Ajmal.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2014.

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