If Pakistan team clicks, I’m sure we can beat India: Azhar Mahmood

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has shared his opinions about the recent happenings in Pakistan cricket along with the squad for the T20 World Cup which was recently announced. Mahmood, who was also the bowling coach for a while of this Pakistan unit, felt that Fakhar Zaman and Shoaib Malik should have been picked in the squad. 

Fakhar Zaman has been a regular in the first XIs of the Pakistan T20I team recently but many were surprised with his exclusion from the 15. He was, though, included in the reserves. Mahmood further noted that Shoaib Malik, with all his experience, should have been picked in the middle order. He also noted that Malik’s recent form has been good. 

“In my opinion, Fakhar Zaman should have been in the squad. In the middle-order, Shoaib Malik should have been selected as he has been performing really well in the recent past. He did well in the PSL and leagues around the world. You definitely need experience in this sort of situation,” said Mahmood to Cricket Pakistan. 

It will be a tough match: Azhar Mahmood on Indo-Pak T20 World Cup match 

However, Azhar Mahmood also welcomed the selection of Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah, who have been called up for batting in the middle order itself. Mahmood said, “The good thing is that they have recalled Asif [Ali] and Khushdil [Shah] as they are impact players in the middle-order.” 

Furthermore, Mahmood also talked about the opening match of Pakistan, which they are due to play against India at the Dubai International Stadium on October 24. So far, Pakistan has clashed with India five times in T20 World Cups, but never managed to beat them even once. They have also lost seven clashes in the 50 overs World Cup, with a streak that started in 1992. 

Mahmood though was hopeful that the Pakistan team can beat India this time. “It will be a tough match as India is playing really well and they will have an edge over Pakistan. However, if Pakistan team clicks, I’m sure we can beat India,” he said.

Mahmood further spoke about the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis from their roles as head coach and bowling coach respectively. He questioned the timing, considering that the duo was working on this team for the T20 World Cup. He said that the decision can have a positive/negative impact on the players.