Former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir has slammed the Lahore Qalandars’ decision to make Asif Ali an opener during their match against Peshawar Zalmi in the 14th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
Asif, who opened the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, failed to make an impact, returning with the score of 4 off 6 balls.
Chasing a modest 130, Peshawar Zalmi comfortably reached the target, losing three wickets in the process with 20 balls to spare.
Peshawar Zalmi faced early setbacks while chasing, losing Saim Ayub on the third ball of the first over. Soon after, Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell to an outstanding delivery from Haris Rauf in the next over, leaving Zalmi in a precarious position at seven for two.
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However, it was Babar Azam and Hussain Talat who took the game away from the Qalandars with a solid 93-run partnership on the fourth wicket.
While speaking during a post-match analysis show, Tanvir jibed at the decision of Asif Ali’s promotion as an opener who usually bats lower down the order.
“Let me give credit to the scientist who sent Asif Ali to open, ” Sohail Tanvir remarked.
Sohail Tanvir noted Asif Ali’s batting position and emphasized his power-hitting skills.
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“You sent Asif Ali to open, who has zero technique. He is not a technically sound batter, but only a power hitter. I personally witnessed his technique in the nets; he just swings his bat,” he observed.
The 40-year-old emphasized the technical aspects of Asif Ali’s batting, stating that Asif had no idea how to play a new ball against a quality fast bowler.
“Tackling the new ball against a quality fast bowler, especially on a pitch where the ball is likely to deviate, requires technical skills. Ali’s dismissal clearly showed that he had no clue that Luke Wood’s delivery would inswing,” Tanvir said.
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