Inzamam-ul-Haq arrives in Dubai to stay by team during Bangladesh clash

Just when everything seemed to be falling apart for the Pakistan cricket team after two devastating losses against India in the Asia Cup, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq reached Dubai to stay by the team’s side during their final Super Fours game against Bangladesh which is a virtual semi-final. The 48-year-old former middle-order batsman will stay there till the tournament gets over on September 28.

Pakistan were blown away by their arch-rivals by 8 wickets and 9 wickets in two consecutive matches and they now have to beat Bangladesh in their final game scheduled for Wednesday. Both the teams have two points from as many games in the Super Fours though Sarfraz Ahmed’s side is slightly ahead in terms of net run-rate. However, a clear win is what is required by either to win as there are minimal possibilities of an inconclusive match in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

Inzi not happy with team selection

Inzamam was reportedly unhappy with the choice of teams and wanted to put across a message to the management – captain Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur – before they finalise the playing XI for the crucial clash against Bangladesh. Whoever wins the game will meet India in the final on September 28.

As per a report in Express.pk, Inzi was against dropping veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez who sat on the sidelines in Pakistan’s five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe but had to bow before coach Arthur’s stand of overlooking him. Imad Wasim is another player who was ignored for Asia Cup as he didn’t meet the expected score on the yo-yo test.

For Pakistan, the chief selector’s presence at the event could build up more pressure in the upcoming game versus Bangladesh. The Men in Green have faced heavy criticism from the former players and fans over their ordinary show in the games against India and will have to come out with a strong show of character to get themselves out of the mess they are in.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram perhaps hit the nail hardest after his country suffered their second loss against India by admitting that Ahmed’s men’s Champions Trophy in England last year win was a fluke. He said Pakistan saved themselves from more humiliation had regular Indian captain Virat Kohli been around.

Pakistan’s only easy win in this tournament came against Hong Kong who they defeated by 8 wickets in their first game. Their second win of the tournament – against Afghanistan in Super Fours – was a hard-earned one.

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