‘These are not ODI bowlers yet’: Akhtar, Aaqib take on Pakistan pacers

Former Pakistan cricketer, Aaqib Javed, has expressed concerns about Hasan Ali’s performance with the new ball.

Hasan Ali has so far taken six wickets in the first two World Cup matches against Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

“Hasan Ali, if you look at his record, has never been outstanding with the new ball. So, on days, if Shaheen Shah Afridi gets stuck, there could be problems,” Aaqib said. 

“If you look at Wasim Junior, there are a lot of games where he hasn’t even completed his quota of 10 overs,” he added.

Aaqib also suggested that Haris Rauf is most effective as a one-change bowler, using his pace to control the middle and death overs.

“Haris Rauf is best suited for one change. With his pace, he can control the middle overs and death overs bowling,” Aaqib concluded.

Regarding the overall bowling unit, former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed a degree of skepticism, stating that the current bowlers are not yet fully adapted to the demands of ODIs.

“These are not ODI bowlers yet. Bowling 10 overs is a different thing. We played just 12 ODIs last year,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

However, Shoaib Akhtar remains optimistic, expecting improved performances in the upcoming matches and urged fans not to lose faith in the bowlers.

“As far as bowling is concerned, I will support them. This same bowling unit will start to perform in the upcoming two or three matches. I can understand the disappointment, but don’t give up on them,” he added.