ICC World Cup 2019: Graeme Smith names an unlikely match-winner for Pakistan

Pakistan have had a struggling time of late in the One Day format where they haven’t won much in the last year or so. Their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was recently handed a four-match ban by the ICC and to add to their agony they also lost their last ODI series against South Africa 2-3. Shoaib Malik is leading the team in Sarfaraz’s absence. In four months’ time, Pakistan are also set to play the World Cup.

They got their hands on the coveted trophy back in 1992 under the leadership of the evergreen Imran Khan, the current Honourable Pakistan Prime Minister, and would be looking to do well next time around in England and Wales. In the meantime, Graeme Smith, the former South Africa cricketer, put forth an unlikely name who could win games for Pakistan in the 50-overs World Cup.

“I don’t know where Umar Akmal went but he is certainly someone who can win you games in the world cup,” Smith was quoted as saying in Pro Pakistani. Akmal hasn’t played international cricket for the last two years and also has had some altercations with Mickey Arthur, the Pakistan head coach.

Words of praises for Asif Ali

Smith also hailed the likes of Shoaib Malik and a few other players, but said that they can’t win matches when the required rate escalates over 10. “Players like Shadab (Khan), Sarfraz (Ahmed), Malik can be good if they are required to score at 6-7 runs per over but they won’t win you games when they are asked to score 10-11 runs per over,” he added.

Furthermore, Smith heaped praise on Asif Ali and brought forth his performances for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL). “Asif is a brilliant timer of the ball. He played well in Mzansi Super League and usually plays fast bowling very well. He can be utilized in the lower order along with Hafeez who is a very good timer and can hit boundaries at will,” he remarked.

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