World Cup probables: Malik, Rizwan and Hasan under consideration

Waqar pushing for the inclusion of seamer Ehsan, says official

KARACHI: Skipper Misbahul Haq and head coach Waqar Younis reached Karachi yesterday after a delayed flight due to heavy fog in Lahore to discuss the final line-up for the 2015 World Cup with the national selection committee led by Moin Khan.

With the looming January 7 deadline one day away, the selectors are yet to decide on three slots: the third opener, a front-line spinner and a fast-bowler.

Selectors including Muhammad Akram, Shoaib Mohammad, Wajahatullah Wasti and Saleem Yousuf have been monitoring the ongoing Pentangular Cup during which the likes of Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Rizwan and Raza Hasan have impressed with their performances, thus forcing them to reconsider their options.

Waqar is pushing for the inclusion of seamer Ehsan Adil for his ability to move the ball both ways, which could be a big advantage in Australia and New Zealand with new balls from both ends.

“Waqar rates Adil highly because he knows the art of moving the ball and wants him in the final 15,” an official close to the matter told The Express Tribune. “But the selectors are keen on carrying all-rounders Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali.”

Former skipper Malik is likely to make a comeback on the basis of his performances in the Pentangular Cup as he gives the team management the option of including an all-rounder. His off-spin bowling can be beneficial in case Hafeez fails to get clearance.

Meanwhile, Raza has brought himself into contention with a five-wicket haul which included a hat-trick and will compete with Yasir Shah for the spinner’s position.

“First Yasir was the front-runner for the spinner’s slot but Raza has emerged as a competitor by taking five wickets, although luck played its part as the batsmen threw away their wickets,” added the official.

There are also outside chances that either Muhammad Sami or Sohail Khan could be drafted in from outside the 30 probables to strengthen the pace attack.

Haris eyes role of finisher in World Cup

Haris Sohail, who has emerged as Pakistan’s new all-rounder after Hafeez was suspended from bowling, has said that he is keen to play the role of finisher at the World Cup.

“I’m aiming to play the role of finisher at the 2015 World Cup because that is something I’ve been doing so far in domestic cricket,” said Haris. “There are a lot of expectations from now to deliver with both bat and ball and I’ve increased my training to cope with that. The team management has always believed in my abilities as a bowler, especially Waqar and Mushtaq Ahmed, which has boosted my morale.”

 

Expected 15-man squad

1. Misbahul Haq (c)

2. Muhammad Hafeez

3. Kamran Akmal/ Muhammad Rizwan/Umar Akmal

4. Ahmed Shahzad

5. Younus Khan

6. Haris Sohail

7. Sohaib Maqsood*

8. Sarfraz Ahmed

9. Shahid Afridi

10. Muhammad Irfan

11. Junaid Khan

12. Bilawal Bhatti

13. Wahab Riaz

14. Ehsan Adil/ Anwar Ali

15. Yasir Shah/ Raza Hasan

*Subject to fitness

 

 

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