By Asif Naveed
RAWALPINDI (MNN); Pakistan have decided to continue relying on their all-rounders rather than specialist players as they prepare for the upcoming T20 tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
The tournament begins on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which will host all matches.
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in the opening match and once again look to their all-rounders to deliver. This approach, introduced under white-ball head coach Mike Hesson since May, has drawn criticism for sidelining specialist batters and bowlers.
However, T20 captain Salman Ali Agha described it as a practical strategy, calling the presence of quality all-rounders a valuable asset.
Salman said all all-rounders in the squad are capable of bowling four overs and contributing significantly with the bat. “Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf are complete bowlers and complete batters. Top teams are also following this model,” he said at Monday’s press conference.
Pakistan will stick with the announced squad, except for batter Hasan Nawaz, who was dropped and sent to play first-class cricket due to poor form. Abdul Samad is expected to return and may be considered for a finishing role at number six.
Salman admitted that Pakistan’s middle order has not performed up to expectations but expressed hope that the inclusion of Samad could strengthen the lower order. He added that the team would aim to balance giving chances to all 15 players while prioritising match victories as preparation for the T20 World Cup early next year.
The captain also addressed his own form, acknowledging his struggles during the Asia Cup. But after scoring a century against Sri Lanka and a half-century earlier against South Africa in the ODI series, he said he was eager to carry the regained confidence into the T20 format.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka suffered a blow as captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando were ruled out due to illness and sent home. Sri Lanka Cricket stated that both players required rest and medical care.
Experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has taken over the captaincy for the tri-series, with young batter Pavan Rathnayake added as a replacement.
Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka’s new skipper said the team will focus on correcting mistakes from the ODI series and is ready for the challenges ahead.
He acknowledged that Pakistan are playing confidently and said that Sri Lanka are prepared to adapt to different conditions.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe arrived at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday for practice sessions. The opening match of the tri-series will begin at 6:00pm on Tuesday, with the toss scheduled for 5:30pm.
Tri-series Fixtures:
Nov 18: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
Nov 20: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
Nov 22: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Nov 23: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
Nov 25: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
Nov 27: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Nov 29: Final
Pakistan Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq.
