All-rounder Shoaib Malik, in adversity, posted a cryptic tweet on Sunday, September 11, seemingly complaining about his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad after Pakistan lost the final of the continental tournament to Sri Lanka by 23 runs in Dubai. . Shoib Malik, who played a key role in Pakistan’s run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup T20 2021, last played for the senior national team in November 2021. The 40-year-old has been in good form in the T20 National Cup, where he recently scored a half-century for Central Punjab.
Notably, Shoaib’s omission from the Asia Cup squad has helped raise quite a few eyebrows as the veteran all-rounder has consistently played in the mid-overs for Pakistan and other teams he has played in T20 leagues around the world. Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final despite seizing an early advantage by winning the toss and electing to bowl in Dubai, a venue where chasing teams have won more often than not. However, Pakistan failed to chase down 171 and were bowled out for 147 in 20 overs.
Apart from Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a 49-ball 55, and Iftikhar Ahmed, who hit 32, none of the other Pakistani batsmen contributed significantly. Pakistan’s middle order failed again as they lost their last 6 wickets for just 37 runs. When will we get out of the culture of friendship, likes and dislikes? Allah always helps the honest,” Malik tweeted. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal responded to the tweet saying, “Ustad G don’t be so honest.” Ustad G don’t be so honest — Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 11, 2022
Quite a few fans reacted to Shoiab Malik’s post on Twitter that Pakistan lacked experience in the middle order and depended heavily on the top order of Rizwan and Babar Azam. Alas, Babar had a forgettable campaign in the UAE, scoring 68 runs in 6 matches at the 2022 Asia Cup. Notably, Babar ruled out Malik’s return after the all-rounder was dropped from the Asia Cup squad, saying youngsters like Iftikhar, Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali would get a boost in the run-up to the T20 World Cup. ;
“When older players leave, those who replace them need to focus. (Mohammad) Hafeez and Malik were big players and we will miss them a lot, and players like Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar (Ahmed) have to fill their boots,” Babar said in August. We want to give them a lot of games and confidence and these players performed.” Babar’s Pakistan are expected to announce their squad for the T20 World Cup in the coming week.
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