Pakistan openers have scored a combined total of 31 runs in two games in the ODI tri-series. While their No. 3, Babar Azam, hasn’t been as dismal, scoring 45 and 39 in two games, such scores, when paired with the shoddy contributions from opening batters, can put extra, unneeded pressure on the middle order. In two games so far in the tri-series, both wins for Pakistan came on the back of middle-order batters.
Middle-order batters running the side
In the first game, it was Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz who steered Pakistan to safety with a 97-run stand, which helped them get past 300 runs. Against England, the responsibility was taken up by Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, and Faheem Ashraf, who scored two 70-run-plus stands between them and rescued Pakistan from a spot of bother.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi, though elated with getting two wins in as many games, hopes the top order can start rising to the occasion more often.
“It was really good how Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, and Faheem Ashraf batted, but we also need our top-order to fire,” Shaheen said after the game. “As a team we have done some good things but we need to improve further as we are looking to build towards the World Cup.
Red-hot Arafat Minhas
Pakistan bowlers did well to defend the 303-run target against a fiery England batting line-up with dew on the visitors’ side. It was Arafat Minhas who led Pakistan’s bowling attack, grabbing a six-wicket haul. Minhas has been incredible for Pakistan since his debut against Australia in May. He has taken two five-wicket hauls in just five ODI games. Shaheen hopes he can continue his form for the side as Pakistan gear up to build for the ODI World Cup next year.
“The form of Arafat and fast bowlers is good signs for us. Arafat is a very good talent and he is a proper allrounder, which bodes well for us. Hopefully, he will deliver for us in many more games in the future.”
ALSO READ:
Pakistan ODI Tri-series: Updated Points Table after hosts drub England to get two in two- IPL