Sadiq says Shaheen must prioritise batting depth with defined role and disciplined bowling
KARACHI:
Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has said that Pakistan should go with a balanced squad in the ODI tri-series which will begin on Sunday with the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi.
“Pakistan squad should carry five specialist batsmen, five bowlers and a stumper. My advice to Shaheen Afridi is to ensure that every player has a clearly defined role, with the right batsmen occupying their proper positions in the batting order,”Sadiq told The Express Tribune in an interview.
“It is disappointing that Shahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadqat are not in the ODI squad. They are the two in-form batsmen and needed to be there,” Sadiq said.
“Pakistan should build its batting lineup around Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Hasan Nawaz, supported by a wicket-keeper batsman and the necessary all-rounders. The bowling options could include Sufiyan Muqim, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Razaullah, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar, depending on the final team combination. The middle order must be instructed to target a minimum total of 300 runs,” Sadiq said.
He said that at least one established batsman should remain at the crease until the final over to help Pakistan finish strongly,
“Whether batting first or chasing the objective should be to bat through all 50 overs and maximise the final total. Ideally, one of the top five batsmen should face the last ball of the 50th over and finish the innings with a well-timed shot in front of square,” Sadiq said.
“Bowlers must consistently hit a good length and maintain a disciplined line around the fourth stump, just outside off stump. Every delivery should have a clear purpose, with bowlers planning how to challenge the batter rather than simply delivering the ball.”
“Razaullah’s outswing ability should be utilised with the new ball. I recommend giving him two overs with two slips in place and instructing him to pitch the ball up, inviting right-handed batsmen to play the cover drive and creating opportunities for catches in the slip cordon. Against left-handed batsmen, he should use his inswinger to target the pads and create opportunities for leg-before-wicket dismissals, with the field adjusted accordingly, including a deep square-leg fielder where appropriate,” Sadiq said.
He said that Pakistan should consider batting first if they win the toss.
“I think they should bat first after winning the toss, particularly when conditions are favourable and a strong total could improve their qualification prospects. The team must aim to bat for the full 50 overs and avoid unnecessary collapses. If teams finish level on points after four matches, net run rate or other applicable competition rules could determine qualification for the final. In such circumstances, every run matters,” he said.
“Finally, if the choice is between Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub, I would favour Salman on the basis of my assessment of their batting. I consider the bowling contributions of both players relatively modest, so the decision should primarily depend on the batting role required by the team,” Sadiq said.
