'He is better than everyone else' - Inzamam-ul-Haq wants Shan Masood to open for Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup

Pakistan cricketing legend and former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has opined that left-handed batsman Shan Masood should feature in the Pakistan side for the upcoming T20 World Cup that will be held in the months of October and November in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Inzamam added that he has seen Masood play in both the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as well as the Kashmir Premier League (KPL). The 51-year-old even reckoned that Masood has been better than every other batsman in the recent past with the willow in hand.

Inzamam further reasoned that the left-handed Masood plays sensibly and at a healthy strike rate as well. The former Pakistan cricketer also said that Masood does a good job on the field as well.

“I saw him playing at the PSL and the KPL. If there is anyone who has played better than everyone else [in recent days] then it is Shan Masood. He does sensible hitting through proper shots at a very healthy strike rate. He knows how to rotate strike. So if I have a choice, I will definitely consider him. He is a good fielder and an excellent team player,” said Inzamam-ul-Haq on his YouTube channel.

Asif Ali has developed maturity and plays sensible cricket: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Inzamam-ul-Haq also added that the No.5 and No.7 positions are important for any side, as the batsmen playing in these positions play the role of a finisher. Inzamam reckoned that the likes of Azam Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Haider Ali cannot be included in the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup.

“The top order builds your base. Number 5, and 7 finish the match for you. These numbers are quite important. You tried Azam Khan, Sohaib Maqsood and Haider Ali. These are all good players but I don’t think their performance was such that you can include them in the squad,” added Inzamam.

Inzamam also reckoned that Asif Ali should occupy the No.6 spot for Pakistan, as he is a player who can unfurl big shots. Adding that Ali has developed a sense of maturity, Inzamam concluded by stating that Ali should find a place in the Pakistan middle order.

“At the sixth position, we need a player who can hit big shots at any time. And that player is Asif Ali. He hasn’t been a reliable player but he has developed some maturity in his batting and plays sensibly now.

If he can score in three games out of five, that means he is doing extremely well. I have seen him in the PSL and the KPL. There is an improvement in his batting. So I think he should be in the middle order,” concluded Inzamam-ul-Haq.