Azhar Mahmood: “It’s just a matter of getting two, three wickets and he’ll be back”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has admitted that pace bowler Hasan Ali currently has self doubts about his own ability.

Mahmood’s comments come after Hasan has endured a disappointing World Cup campaign as he has taken two wickets in four matches at a dismal average of 128. His economy rate has also been poor as it currently stands at 7.75.

However, Mahmood is confident that Hasan can get back to his best, just like left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir.

Between the conclusion of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the start of the World Cup, Amir had only taken five wickets in 15 ODIs at an average of 92.60.

But, he has been in red-hot form in the World Cup as he is the third-highest wicket-taker with 15 victims at an average of 14.60.

“I think everyone in cricket, whether you’re a batsman or a bowler, you have bad form,” Mahmood was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “I think he’s [in] bad form. So he’s low on his confidence. I think he’s self doubting his own ability. He’s running in, and he’s working hard on and off the field. You can see that. But, it’s just a matter of getting two, three wickets and he’ll be back.

“Same thing happened to Amir, you know. After the Champions Trophy, Amir was struggling, but he was bowling well. Now you see that he’s having a good time. So it’s the same thing [that has] happened to Hasan Ali.”

Pakistan’s next World Cup game will be against New Zealand at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

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