Wasim Akram: “I hope Pakistan brings Shadab back into the squad”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary Pakistan left-arm seamer Wasim Akram believes that the national team must include spinner Shadab Khan in their playing XI for their World Cup clash against India on Sunday.

Akram’s comments come after Shadab was dropped for Pakistan’s World Cup match against Australia in Taunton on Wednesday, which they lost by 41 runs.

“The Pakistani bowlers didn’t bowl on a length against Australia. Other than Amir, no bowler could really trouble them. I hope Pakistan brings Shadab back into the squad,” he told Geo.tv.

“Pakistan will still miss a fifth bowler, Hafeez and Malik playing the role of a fifth bowler will give some [sort of] advantage to the Indian [batsmen], but you don’t have much options, that’s the 15 you’re here with.”

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Pakistan will play India in Manchester, and the men in green will be looking to snap their winless streak against their arch-rivals as India have triumphed in their six World Cup meetings to date.

However, Pakistan can take confidence from the fact that they demolished India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy final in 2017.

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