Naseem, Shaheen Struggling; Alternative Pacers Whom Pakistan Can Pick For Asia Cup

Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AFP]

After securing a clinical 2-1 win in the T20I leg, Pakistan had a forgettable time in the West Indies ODIs, suffering a heartbreaking defeat to the hosts. The West Indies tour provided the Pakistan players a much-needed opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup edition. 

While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's poor outings grabbed the limelight, the Pakistan pacers disappointed their team in the series. Both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah blew hot and cold, and their topsy-turvy form emerged as a massive concern for the Men in Green just before the Asia Cup. 

Why could Pakistan be tempted to bring alternatives of Shaheen and Naseem?

(Shaheen and Naseem's recent T20I stats)

As shown in the above table, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been mediocre in T20Is of late. Considering they are two crucial members of the Pakistan T20I team, their decline is a huge setback for the Agha Salman-led side ahead of the Asia Cup. 

With these two pacers struggling to get going, here are three pacers whom Pakistan might give a wildcard entry into their Asia Cup squad. 

---

ALSO READ

Salman Mirza, Farhan Clinical As Pakistan Claim Consolation Win In 3rd T20I Vs BAN

---

Mohammad Wasim Jr

T20I stats: 29 matches, 36 wickets, Average - 20.9, Strike Rate - 15.4, Economy - 8.14

Why could Pakistan bring Mohammad Wasim Jr back into T20Is?

• Mohammad Wasim Jr has been a proven performer for Pakistan in white-ball cricket. Before getting sidelined due to an injury, Wasim Jr bagged 36 wickets in 29 T20I matches, recording a healthy strike rate of 15.4. 
• Wasim Jr can move the new ball up front at a decent pace. More importantly, he can make the old ball talk and has a pinpoint yorker in his armour to challenge the batters in the slog overs. 
• Thus, Wasim Jr is an all-phase bowler, and if he impresses the selectors with his performances in the upcoming Top End T20 tournament, he could get an entry into Pakistan's Asia Cup squad against the odds. 

Abbas Afridi

T20I stats: 24 matches, 38 wickets, Average - 15.5, Strike Rate - 11, Economy - 8.48

Why could Pakistan include Abbas Afridi in Asia Cup squad?

• Abbas Afridi has statistically been a much better performer than Naseem Shah in T20Is, bagging 38 wickets at a superb strike rate of 11. He's a genuine wicket-taker and can also contribute handily to the scoreboard as a lower-order batter. 
• Besides hitting the deck, Abbas Afridi can outfox the batters with his cutters and variations, making him a valuable asset in the playing conditions of the UAE. 

Salman Mirza

T20I stats: 3 matches, 7 wickets, Average - 8.6, Strike Rate - 9.8, Economy - 5.21

Why could Pakistan include Salman Mirza in Asia Cup squad?

• Salman Mirza is a promising left-arm pacer who has been quite consistent in white-ball cricket at the domestic level. He recently showcased his bowling prowess in the Bangladesh series, scalping seven wickets at a magnificent average and strike rate. 
• Overall, he has 46 T20 wickets in 26 matches at an impressive economy of 6.93. His left-arm angle and ability to make the new ball talk could prompt the PCB to pick him for the Asia Cup if the team management decides to snub Shaheen Afridi. 

---

ALSO READ

Jasprit Bumrah Vs Shaheen Afridi: Statistical Comparison Of Asia Cup Records

---