Hasan Ali with Pakistan players (Source: AP Photos)
Pakistan and Afghanistan are all set to take on each other in the opening match of the tri-series in UAE. It is a crucial game for both sides in terms of fine-tuning their preparation ahead of the Asia Cup, and Pakistan have decided to bat first after winning the toss.
Pakistan Going With All-Rounder Over Pure Bowler
The Men in Green have gone with a long batting line-up with Faheem Ashraf slotted to bat at number eight. However, to provide that extra cushion with the bat, they are playing just two frontline pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. As a result, Hasan Ali has missed out, and Faheem Ashraf will play the role of the third seamer.
The Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha also said in the toss that they are going with all-rounders, clearly indicating that the team is looking for multi-dimensional players in the shortest format. Hasan Ali could also bag just one wicket in the two T20Is he played in the Caribbean and also leaked runs.
Thus, the Pakistan management are trusting Faheem Ashraf to bowl his all four overs and use his batting skills as well. Thus, Hasan Ali has missed out because Pakistan are aiming to play an aggressive brand of cricket, and for that, they are going with a modern-day approach of filling the team with more all-rounders.
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Noor Ahmed Misses Out From Afghanistan's Playing XI
Their opponents, Afghanistan are also going with only two frontline seamers while Karim Janat and Azmatullah Omarzai are the two seam-bowling all-rounders in their XI. Noor Ahmed though has missed out from the playing XI with Afghanistan going with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman and Mohammad Nabi in the spin department.
Overall, Afghanistan have been playing quality cricket in recent times and played the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2024 too. The rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan is also growing with each passing encounter, and expect a close contest at Sharjah.
