The below-par show of Pakistan’s pace battery in the ongoing World Twenty20 has left the country’s former cricketers worried and they have called for changes in the line-up for the Super Eight stage starting today.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has advised the team management to replace the struggling Sohail Tanvir with the experienced Abdul Razzaq.
“I think it would not be a bad idea to bring in Razzaq instead of Tanvir; he can use the new ball cunningly and he will strengthen the batting as well. Razzaq is also good enough to bowl two to three overs — the same number of overs Tanvir is bowling in the tournament,” Shoaib said.
Shoaib, who retired last year during the 50-over World Cup, also praised the performance of Yasir Arafat.
“I have told him that in Twenty20 cricket mixing up deliveries and using the bouncer effectively are important weapons for any pace bowler.”
He also felt that if Pakistan won the toss they should opt to chase against South Africa on Friday as they had gained confidence while chasing big totals.
“I say go with the flow.”
Shoaib also advised Imran Nazir to play proper cricket shots instead of being over-ambitious.
Pakistan’s former Test batsman and the ex-coach Mohsin Khan advised the team to think about changing their pace line-up.
“I think it would be better if Umar Gul is allowed the choice of bowling his overs in the middle of the innings with an older ball as he is most deadly when he starts get reverse swing,” Mohsin said.