Gul, Sarfraz in line for T20 call-up against NZ

Pakistan pacer’s domestic performances impress selectors

KARACHI: Senior fast-bowler Umar Gul, who is making his way back from a recurring knee injury, is set to be recalled in Pakistan’s T20 and ODI squads against New Zealand after impressive bowling performances in first-class cricket.

The 30-year-old pacer has taken 29 wickets from five matches in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s Silver League while representing HBL and has bagged two five-wicket hauls as well.

Gul last played in a 50-over format for Pakistan in the Asia Cup final back in March, while his last T20 appearance came against the West Indies in the World Twenty20.

The national selectors feel that the Peshawar-born has done enough to justify a recall into the national side.

“Gul has been bowling well in the domestic cricket and will be recalled in both ODI and T20 squads against New Zealand,” one of the selectors told The Express Tribune.

“His fitness has improved over the period of time, while his confidence is also back, which is evident from his first-class performances. He’s still an important part of Pakistan’s plans for the 2015 World Cup, so it’s important to provide him the necessary exposure to help him ease his way back in international matches.”

Before the injury, Gul was arguably one of the best bowlers in the T20 format, backed by stats of 80 wickets in 56 matches. He has also taken 173 scalps in 124 one-dayers.

Meanwhile, the selectors are also keen on including in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed in T20 squad as well.

Sarfraz has been enjoying a record-breaking year in Tests as he has become the first Pakistani wicketkeeper to score three tons in a calendar year and also set a new national record of most runs scored by a gloveman.

His first reward for those feats was given in the shape of his inclusion against Australia and now the selectors want to recall him in the shortest format as well, in which he last played against Zimbabwe back in August 2013.

“Sarfraz is in tremendous form and has lifted the Pakistan team with his improvised batting, which is why we want to draft him in the T20 squad as well,” said the official.

 

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