Saim Ayub's replacement found: Asia Cup Rising Stars whom Pakistan must try before T20 WC

Saim Ayub has a competitor in Maaz Sadaqat [Source: AFP]

Pakistan Shaheens enjoyed stellar success in the Asia Cup Rising Stars, defeating Bangladesh-A in a thrilling final and clinching the coveted trophy. The high-voltage clash went to the super over; however, the Shaheens kept their composure and outclassed their Bangladesh counterparts comfortably to win the title summit. 

Now, as several players from the Pakistan Shaheens' squad grabbed the headlines during the Asia Cup Rising Stars, the PCB must try them out in the senior T20I side to fine-tune Pakistan's outfit for the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

Maaz Sadaqat

Why should Pakistan try out Maaz Sadaqat before T20 World Cup?

(Maaz Sadaqat's excellent numbers in Asia Cup Rising Stars)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Maaz Sadaqat was absolutely outstanding in the Asia Cup Rising Stars, contributing significantly to Pakistan Shaheens' success with bat and ball. Apart from amassing 258 runs at a blistering strike rate of 177.93, Sadaqat also bagged seven wickets at a magnificent economy of 4.33. 
• Considering his all-round abilities, we reckon Maaz Sadaqat is a brilliant prospect to watch out for ahead of the T20 World Cup. Given that Saim Ayub averages just 20.7 after 54 T20Is, Pakistan can try out Maaz Sadaqat as his like-for-like replacement in order to form a settled core ahead of the marquee event. 

Saad Masood

Why should Pakistan try out Saad Masood before T20 World Cup?

(Saad Masood's performance in Asia Cup Rising Stars)

• Saad Masood was another Pakistani player who shone brightly in the Asia Cup Rising Stars. The leg-spinner bagged eight wickets at an economy of 7.26 besides scoring 79 runs at an impressive strike rate of 138.59. 
• He can bamboozle the batters with his wily variations and chip in with brisk cameos as a finisher lower down the order. Given that Pakistan's middle order is still a work in progress and Hasan Nawaz has already been sidelined owing to poor form, Saad Masood can be an excellent addition to the Men in Green's lower middle order. 

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Sufyan Muqeem

Why should Pakistan try out Sufyan Muqeem before T20 World Cup?

(Sufyan Muqeem's stats in Asia Cup Rising Stars)

• Sufyan Muqeem has had an impactful T20I career, scalping 27 wickets in 18 innings. However, Abrar Ahmed's consistency and the emergence of Usman Tariq prompted Pakistan to show Muqeem the exit door. 
• But the left-arm wrist spinner rose to the occasion in the Asia Cup Rising Stars, bagging ten wickets at an unbelievable economy of 4.21. He has presented a strong case for his T20I comeback, and Pakistan should give him a second chance to fine-tune their spin unit before the T20 World Cup. 

Ahmed Daniyal

Why should Pakistan try out Ahmed Daniyal before T20 World Cup?

(Ahmed Daniyal was impressive in Asia Cup Rising Stars)

• Right-arm pacer Ahmed Daniyal bowled brilliantly in the Asia Cup Rising Stars competition, scalping six wickets at an average of 16.66 and an economy of 5.55. 
• Apart from outfoxing the batters with pace and movement, Daniyal can also be handy with his cutters and slow balls in the slog overs. 
• Therefore, with Haris Rauf being on the sidelines, Pakistan should try out Ahmed Daniyal to boost their fast bowling department before the T20 World Cup. 

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