By Shashi Agarwal
With the Asia Cup starting from tomorrow, let’s have a look at why Pakistan will be a major contender along with India.An improving batting lineup and a never ending stock of fast bowlers are a major reason why they can never be taken lightly in any tournaments.Adding to it, quality spinners along with useful limited overs allrounder has been their strength.With the recent wins over Pakistan and SriLanka, they will be bubbling with confidence and might bring the best out of them. Here is a detailed version of it:
TOP ORDER
Though Sharjeel Khan didnot have the best of outings and it will be interesting if Pakistan still persists with him. But with Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad in the form of their life, their top order can be expected to take away any match from the opposition.The way , both Hafeez and Shehzad have transformed their batting has been revolutionary. After being dropped from the test side, He has fought his way back by notching few centuries . Ahmed Shehzad was always considered a genuine talent in Pakistan, but with the habit of throwing away his wicket he could not quite make a serious impact. But after his re entry in the International scene, he looks to build an innings, rather than going wild initially.The key thing is that he still manages a decent strike rate.
MIDDLE ORDER
This will be led by none other than their captain Misbah ul Haq, and the name needs no introduction having proved himself again and again.He will be supported by highly talented Sohaib Maqsood and Umar Akmal. The way Maqsood played the Steyn and Morkel in South Africa speaks volumes of his talent.Umar Akmal can always push the scoring rate with some lusty blows but will be expected to do more than just cameos.
ALL ROUNDRERS
They have some good bowling all roundrers in Afridi, Anwar Ali and Sohail Tanvir, who delays the tail in the batting order and chips in with more than useful runs. Everyone knows what Afidi
