KARACHI: Pakistan must regroup in the Asia Cup to win key games from here on and silence its critics because Sarfraz Ahmed and his men surely have it in them to beat any side on their day.

This was stated by former chief selector and Test cricketer Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu here on Tuesday. Speaking to Dawn, Sallu said: “Pakistan has slipped up a bit in all the three departments – batting, bowling and fielding — in Asia Cup which has disappointed the fans. But I believe that if the team reflect on their weak points and regroup, they can put up a solid show in the remaining games and can go on to win the tournament.

Sallu observed that Pakistan erred a bit by not including specialist spinners in the team for the Asia Cup since both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have conditions very conducive for the spinners .

“All other teams including India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have included three spinners each in their respective line-ups and are being served well by them in this tournament. But for some reason, our selectors preferred to include five pacers who are being blunted in hot and humid conditions in the UAE.

Sallu added that because Mohammad Amir is really struggling for form since last year’s Champions Trophy, it is important to give him some rest. “Pakistan should go in with Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Shoaib Malik in the remaining game which will give us more spin variety and deep batting in all the remaining games to make an impact on the opposition.

“But we must also keep in mind that ours is a young team and Sarfraz, despite being a dynamic leader, does not have the kind of superstars or experienced players in his team that previous captains like Imran Khan, Asif Iqbal, Mushtaq Mohammad, Wasim Akram or Inzamam used to have.

“I feel that we must believe in our boys and Inshallah they will bounce back,” concluded Sallu.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2018