"I want to improve myself and better myself as a cricketer" : Asif Ali

[MenInG]

The advent of franchise-based Twenty20 Leagues around the world have added a new dimension to the enjoyment of cricket fans, the world over. Apart from high-adrenalin fun for the spectators, such tournaments are also providing a great opportunity for the likes of Pakistan’s Asif Ali to reap financial rewards and more importantly, to showcase their immense talent to the outside world.

As a key member of the Cape Town Blitz side who are competing in the ongoing Mzansi Super League T20 tournament, 27-year-old Asif Ali is enjoying his time with the South African franchise as he explained in an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net

“Playing in the MSL has been a fantastic opportunity for me and I would like to thank my skipper JP Duminy and the Head Coach Ashwell Prince for giving me this chance to play in this league. The experience has been brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable, and the tournament has been organised so well. From the travelling arrangements to all the other aspects of the tournament, it's all been very professional. From what I have seen from the first edition of the MSL, I think the tournament will only get bigger and better in the coming years.”

As Asif Ali would have seen from his experience with the Pakistan Super League, it isn’t just the big names which make a team successful but the right combination of players in the side is what guarantees success, “The mix of players at Cape Town Blitz is a fantastic blend. There are local players, experienced international players from South Africa and international players from around the world and everyone has really supported each other, and we have all got on so well that it almost feels like we have been playing for the same team for many years. The likes of Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock and Farhaan Behardien have greeted the other players like best friends and for me that has been so enjoyable.”

As Pakistan’s current home series against New Zealand draws to a close, all eyes from a Pakistani perspective are focussed towards the upcoming tour of South Africa which should be a stern test for the sub-continental side. For Asif Ali, playing in the MSL is an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand the playing conditions and surfaces that he could encounter if he is selected to represent Pakistan on this tour.

“The most important thing from a personal perspective has been the chance to play on pitches in South Africa, which is something that I have not experienced previously. Obviously to get this opportunity just ahead of a series for Pakistan in South Africa could not have been better timed. I feel that playing in the MSL just before the series against South Africa will be very beneficial for me. Playing on the various pitches used for the MSL has given me great insight to the surfaces in South Africa and what to expect in the upcoming series for Pakistan.”

Asif Ali’s recent whirlwind 80 off only 33 deliveries in the MSL game against Durban Heat, which included seven fours and five sixes and also earned him the award of player of the match, is a great example of what the talented Faisalabad-born batsman can achieve. This was also exactly the kind of performance that the Pakistan batsman was looking for to establish himself in the MSL tournament.

“I am happy with my performances in the MSL so far, although they could have been better and I hope that I can help the team win this tournament and return to Pakistan with my spirits high ahead of the upcoming international matches. I think playing in tournaments like the MSL can really boost your confidence and make you a better player as you are getting the chance to play in different conditions and also against some of the world's very best players.”

With 11 ODIs and 16 T20Is to his name, it is clear that Asif Ali has the potential to serve his country for many years to come. He was recently utilized in the position of a power-hitter by Mickey Arthur for the Asia Cup tournament in the UAE with a mixed degrees of success. Whilst acknowledging his potential role in the Pakistan side due to his stroke-making abilities, Asif is also actively looking to improve his game to become a better all-round cricketer, “I'm satisfied with my international career so far but looking into the future I want to improve myself and better myself as a cricketer. I'm being utilised as a power-hitter for Pakistan and in that role, you have to accept that some days you will be successful and other days it won't go for you and you don't make the quick scores and perform the explosive innings the team needs from you. That is the territory for a power-hitter, some days it goes for you and others it doesn't.”

If selected for the tour of South Africa, Asif Ali as he has shown so far in the MSL, has all the abilities to put in some excellent performances which could in turn, help him gain a place in the Pakistan 2019 World Cup squad. As was witnessed in the 2017 Champions Trophy, he could, if selected be part of a tournament-winning team which is a thought he is relishing.

“I'm looking forward to playing in my first World Cup next year if selected and I feel that the Pakistan One-Day team is one of the best in the world and I think that we have the talent and the players to win the World Cup. These sorts of tournaments can always spring a surprise and there are always one or two teams who are the standout teams, but I am confident that Pakistan will not let their fans down in England next year.”

A veteran of all PSL tournaments so far, Asif Ali has been treated with great care and respect by the two time champions Islamabad United who have clearly seen future potential in the hard-hitting batsman. The faith shown in him by the PSL franchise is something Asif is very proud of, “It's really pleasing to be picked for Islamabad United once again for the Pakistan Super League. They have really supported me and have helped in turning my career around and have been pivotal in my getting the chance to fulfil my boyhood dream which was to play for my country and wear the green shirt with pride.”

With the squads for the 4th edition of the PSL now finalized, fans of Islamabad United are looking at yet another season where their team could put in a strong showing and emerge as victors once again. For Asif Ali, Islamabad definitely have the firepower needed to take on the toughest challenges and with players of the calibre of Luke Ronchi, Shadab Khan, Samit Patel and Ian Bell in the mix, a third title in 2019 is a real possibility.

“I think the combination that has been picked for Islamabad United for PSL4 is a really strong one and I am confident that we can win the Pakistan Super League once again. We have a very stable squad with many of the players who were champions last time around still there. That stability really is important in my opinion as many of the Islamabad United squad are familiar with each other's game and that will always give you a head start in tournaments such as the PSL.”

For Islamabad United and Asif Ali, the news of their well-respected captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s departure from the franchise was a real shock. The veteran former Pakistan captain had lead his PSL team to both titles in 2016 and 2018 and for Asif Ali, the mere presence and wisdom that Misbah brought to the fore will be something he and his colleagues at Islamabad United will dearly miss, “I am going to miss Misbah-ul-Haq a lot at the Pakistan Super League this time around at Islamabad United. More than anything else I will miss Misbah's man-management skills, his great planning, his great mind and his superb knowledge and insight about the opposition teams and players. He was a rock for Islamabad United and there is no doubt that we will all miss him and his valuable experience, his calmness and his knowledge.”

[ARK Rafay]

Talent is there but who's gonna give justice to our talented batsman when nepotism and corruption is at its peak

[Stalin]

I think he's gonna be as important as in the world cup. He normally struggles against spin but the true pitches in England will negate that. His quickfire 40s are critical for Pak to get anywhere close to the top 4. ( SF spot)

[ARK Rafay]

I think he's gonna be as important as in the world cup. He normally struggles against spin but the true pitches in England will negate that. His quickfire 40s are critical for Pak to get anywhere close to the top 4. ( SF spot)

He also needs a brain. Can't go all guns and blazing in ODIs. Especially when you are playing in Pakistan team.

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistan wont even make the semi finals, let alone win it.

[Stalin]

He also needs a brain. Can't go all guns and blazing in ODIs. Especially when you are playing in Pakistan team.

The problem is he has a neutral gear and fifth gear. And absolutely nothing in between. He has to work on it though. That's where Grant flower has to come into play.

[rhony]

If he develops strokes square of the wicket and can rotate the strike, he can be lethal. At this point, he's mostly limited to hitting down the ground. Teams will not feed him full balls here on.

[Greenstorm]

If he develops strokes square of the wicket and can rotate the strike, he can be lethal. At this point, he's mostly limited to hitting down the ground. Teams will not feed him full balls here on.

His cut is good. A bit weak on the pull short though. His major weakness is playing against spin.

[Prince of Pakistan]

His cut is good. A bit weak on the pull short though. His major weakness is playing against spin.

Then it's not wise to bat at 6. He is like the opposite of Hafeez and Hafeez also bats at the wrong nr.

[MenInG]

He's done well today for Cape Town Blitz : Asif 18 today 13 balls, 2x4s 1x6

[gazza619]

I know he is a good hitter but his domestic cricket average does not inspire confidence.

[Abdullah]

Let's see how well he goes in the SA one days. I firmly believe he is the kind of guy we needed to give the maximum chances of succeeding. We just don't have guys that can strike it like him (and fahim)
We need to see them in the tight situations in the lead up to the world cup. I have only seen Asif bat once when the game was in the balance and we were on a tight rope ( Bangladesh game)
and that's it really .
Fahim I haven't seen have a proper bat at all in a 50 50 situation, guy only comes in with 3 overs left from what I can remember.
I'm talking 50 over cricket

[Invincible Gujjar]

Nope neither the talent nor the players in the team who can win against the decent sides let alone winning the world cup.they do stand a bit of chance only if they kick that captain useless and his buddies like you out of team.useless hack.

[Oligochaetes]

Pakistan win big tournaments when they are least expected to win. Thats why I feel Pakistan can win this time.

[mystical man]

Pakistan win big tournaments when they are least expected to win. Thats why I feel Pakistan can win this time.

I felt that way too but not after their performance in Asia Cup and New Zealand.. This is Pakistan 🇵🇰 of 2018 and not 1992

[Hasan123]

Our players just seem to the same old things . We have talent , we get backing from the coaching . Same old nonsense.

[MenInG]

Our players just seem to the same old things . We have talent , we get backing from the coaching . Same old nonsense.

Why? Should our young players stop believing in themselves and just rollover?

We need to be balanced in our criticisms or cricket will die in Pakistan.

[The Viper]

Lets hope Asif can perform on the SAF tour.

[Hasan123]

Why? Should our young players stop believing in themselves and just rollover?

We need to be balanced in our criticisms or cricket will die in Pakistan.

I never said anything like that. But surely they have more to say than we have talent and we get backing from coaching.

[Saj]

Our players just seem to the same old things . We have talent , we get backing from the coaching . Same old nonsense.

What you have written here doesn't even make sense. At least what they are saying makes sense.

If you have a problem with what they say in interviews, here's some advice, don't read it.

Hope this makes sense.

[sugumarrising]

First of all I don't understand one thing from Pakistan cricketers whether it is present or past why you always say that Pakistan is the most talented cricket team but present Pakistan team is poor, by claims like this it is like disrespecting other nations, see India of 90s everyone knows how poor we are, present Indian team everyone knows how good they are, instead of giving interviews like this we expect consistency from Pakistan which is the quality for a top team, in the world cup any top team can win it, everybody expects a Pakistan team of 80s & 90s, so work hard like your predecessors and become a top team again not only Pakistan every main ICC member team has the talent and has a chance to win the world cup.

[hamza119]

It's sound good. InsAllah

[Abdullah]

We need to give him until the world cup.
On the basis we don't have ANY1 that can strike a ball like that.
Give him time, but I want to see improvements between now and then too

[Plumb]

We need to give him until the world cup.
On the basis we don't have ANY1 that can strike a ball like that.
Give him time, but I want to see improvements between now and then too

Yes keep trying useless players at the stake of big tournaments. UA Same logic was used for UA and we know how many tournaments he won us

[Abdullah]

Yes keep trying useless players at the stake of big tournaments. UA Same logic was used for UA and we know how many tournaments he won us

Obviously his behaviour , attitude , and work ethic has to be on point. ( That should go with out saying so I didn't mention it)

[Plumb]

Obviously his behaviour , attitude , and work ethic has to be on point. ( That should go with out saying so I didn't mention it)

I am only talking as a player, What UA did for pak? how many tournaments he won us? based on his "talent", "best player in Pak" we gave him many chances and nothing happened. Same mistakes we are repeating with Asif

[The Viper]

Pretty mediocre returns. A bit sad after he started so well.

[Abdullah]

I am only talking as a player, What UA did for pak? how many tournaments he won us? based on his "talent", "best player in Pak" we gave him many chances and nothing happened. Same mistakes we are repeating with Asif

That was the past. Talk about now. All teams have guys who can hit the ball lonnnnggggggg,
Who do we have?

[Plumb]

That was the past. Talk about now. All teams have guys who can hit the ball lonnnnggggggg,
Who do we have?

No1, so stop embarrassing ourselves by playing Asif. He can only hit if ball is in his zone and no good bowler will give feed him there. Move on and look for better players

[ILcricket]

No chance .

[coy0607]

He's done well today for Cape Town Blitz : Asif 18 today 13 balls, 2x4s 1x6

he got out in the 11th over for 18 runs... thats doing well?

[MenInG]

he got out in the 11th over for 18 runs... thats doing well?

Quick innings, yes - could have done better.

[Plumb]

You are definitely not one of those players...

[Saj]

Worrying lack of form at the moment for Asif.

His place in the Pakistan side must be under threat now.

[coy0607]

Worrying lack of form at the moment for Asif.

His place in the Pakistan side must be under threat now.

saying lack of form implies that Asif Ali is better player and just going through a rough patch

I don't think he has ever been better than a guy who gives you a quick 20-30. And the occasional 50

About as consistent as Afridi, but nowhere near the hitter Afridi was

[Abdullah]

No1, so stop embarrassing ourselves by playing Asif. He can only hit if ball is in his zone and no good bowler will give feed him there. Move on and look for better players

Ok so let's get another plodder in there, than give this guy some rope. Cool . Makes sense.

[Sadozai]

This can be stated for any team.

[MenInG]

Asif Ali making a good case for himself after today's innings:

Islamabad Region: 157-8 in 20 overs (Asif Ali 97*, 82 balls, 7x4s, 5x6s, Ali Sarfraz 26, 23 balls, 3x4s, Muhammad Asghar 3-30, Arshad Iqbal 2-23, Raza Hasan 1-27)

[Abdullah719]

Asif Ali making a good case for himself after today's innings:

Islamabad Region: 157-8 in 20 overs (Asif Ali 97*, 82 balls, 7x4s, 5x6s, Ali Sarfraz 26, 23 balls, 3x4s, Muhammad Asghar 3-30, Arshad Iqbal 2-23, Raza Hasan 1-27)

Superb innings from Asif Ali - 97 not out today for Islamabad Region versus Karachi Region Whites #NationalT20Cup #Cricket pic.twitter.com/sqRtLOkHU0

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) December 21, 2018

[Hamza_]

Asif Ali is very capable with excellent array of shots.

In many ways he reminds me of Imran Nazir.

Just needs to have more concentration, patience and better shot selection.

[hadi123]

Good innings today but he hasn't looked that capable at the international level, but it's still early days for him in his international career.

[Abdullah719]

97* off 62 and 33* off 15 in his two matches at the National T20 Cup so far. Took Islamabad to the semis.

[MenInG]

Not selected for the SA ODI series!

Inzamam:

“Asif Ali has been dropped due to an inconsistent and below-par performance. In his place, we have decided to give Hussain Talat an opportunity to show his mettle and skills. He is a good left-handed batsman, who can also bowl.”

[Mamoon]

Great decision. About time this farce ended - dreadful player.

[shah_1]

Deserves to be ousted. Diabolical bataman

[topspin]

I disagree with his exclusion because he's virtually the only hitter we have who has the firepower against pace bowling. I don't consider Faheem as a genuine hitter or even an all-rounder who is capable of batting any higher up than 8 in the order. Hussain Talat isn't a like for like replacement at all because his strength is hitting spin and looks quite sedate against pace.

If Asif was given a proper run in the side this may have given him the time to learn the art of building an innings and work on strike rotation. He's very poor against spin hence why he struggled in the Asia Cup but he deserved a chance on wickets with a bit more pace and bounce (with less grip for spinners as well) especially given some of his performances in the SA T20 and more recently for Islamabad. But I guess that sums up Inzy and Pakistan's think tank after all.

[WengerOut]

Didn't he play well in the recently completed concluded SA T20 competition?

[Shandarchowka]

I'd say why not? Did anyone in their wildest dreams think about winning CT? We were bad before CT and doing ~alright~ after CT. But we raised ourselves at the right moment. World Cup is similar. I don't care how we are before or after. We should raise the bar and hit the sweet spot at perfect time.

[Abdullah719]

Didn't he play well in the recently completed concluded SA T20 competition?

Made 80 in the first game but only 70 in the next 8.

[Saj]

Needs some time away from international cricket.

I feel that there was too much hype about him from his PSL franchise and that needs to calm down.

[Chokli]

I disagree with his exclusion because he's virtually the only hitter we have who has the firepower against pace bowling. I don't consider Faheem as a genuine hitter or even an all-rounder who is capable of batting any higher up than 8 in the order. Hussain Talat isn't a like for like replacement at all because his strength is hitting spin and looks quite sedate against pace.

If Asif was given a proper run in the side this may have given him the time to learn the art of building an innings and work on strike rotation. He's very poor against spin hence why he struggled in the Asia Cup but he deserved a chance on wickets with a bit more pace and bounce (with less grip for spinners as well) especially given some of his performances in the SA T20 and more recently for Islamabad. But I guess that sums up Inzy and Pakistan's think tank after all.

what's the point of having a hitter if he only comes off 1 in every 10 matches?

he was given a proper run, he failed to impress... the only note worthy thing he's done was smash bhuvneshwar for 22 runs in an over and then got lbw to a straight ball.

not to mention the lbw against a damn full toss in the nz t20s.

he only scored in one match in the mzansi league, failed in the rest


pakistan is too weak of a batting line up to have him at 6.... it be different if he bowled some off spin.

[topspin]

what's the point of having a hitter if he only comes off 1 in every 10 matches?

he was given a proper run, he failed to impress... the only note worthy thing he's done was smash bhuvneshwar for 22 runs in an over and then got lbw to a straight ball.

not to mention the lbw against a damn full toss in the nz t20s.

he only scored in one match in the mzansi league, failed in the rest


pakistan is too weak of a batting line up to have him at 6.... it be different if he bowled some off spin.

Because the alternative options are even worse and Asif has showcased how gifted he is hitting against pace in the PSL and played a few good knocks in the SA T20.

It may well be that he just deserves a bit more time to get the hang of building an innings where he can master the art of strike rotation. He thrives against pace bowling on the front and off the back foot which is exactly what you want from a hitter coming at the back end of the innings in the last 10-15 overs.

It's imperative that we play to his strengths which is pace bowling, so it's unjust he doesn't get a go on wickets with more pace and bounce.

[TeamPak95]

Even in bad form, felt that he could've been in the squad at least.

[Chokli]

Because the alternative options are even worse and Asif has showcased how gifted he is hitting against pace in the PSL and played a few good knocks in the SA T20.

It may well be that he just deserves a bit more time to get the hang of building an innings where he can master the art of strike rotation. He thrives against pace bowling on the front and off the back foot which is exactly what you want from a hitter coming at the back end of the innings in the last 10-15 overs.

It's imperative that we play to his strengths which is pace bowling, so it's unjust he doesn't get a go on wickets with more pace and bounce.

how are they worse? i'd rather have malik/hafeez.... hell i'd much rather have imam in the side than asif ali.

that gift is pointless if he doesn't use it, he's good for a good 20 or 30 but you can't have a pure batsman in the side for pretty 20s and 30s... keep him for odis.. .. he played one good knock of 80 odd runs, he failed in the rest of the matches.

if he was any good, he would have played at least one or two knocks here and there that was justify his selection.

sorry but he should stick to t20s and leagues..

it's a waste giving him a run in the team...

he's a poor mans afridi and that's saying something

[The Viper]

His performances in MSL lacked consistency which made the decision easier for Inzi. The squad does lack firepower though.

[Chokli]

His performances in MSL lacked consistency which made the decision easier for Inzi. The squad does lack firepower though.

what good is the firepower if it's not going to come off?

[The Viper]

what good is the firepower if it's not going to come off?

I actually agree. No point of Asif if he can only score 20 a game.

[Abdullah]

He has not batted enough!!
Scandalous decision to drop him.
Nobody has a higher SR in international cricket than this guy since he debuted.
He was going to be inconsistent with that SR, but as part of a team, we need one like him, especially when we are going to have shadab sarfaraz and faheem for the slog overs!!
Our batting line up is long enough and had enough accumulators to accommodate him.
We needed to invest in this guy. Hopefully he will have a great PSL, but it would have been nice to have game time against good quick bowlers in conditions close to world cup conditions

[Usman Chadda]

Kind of expected.

Pakistan's batting is too weak to accomodate a high-risk batter like Asif.

[hadi123]

Hmmm, I would have included him in the squad, but don't think it's a major deal that he's been dropped, good bowlers probably will work him out, and he shouldn't be too demoralized, I'm sure he'll be in the T20I squad and if he has a good PSL he will definitely be considered for the WC

[iPakistani]

Asif Ali in the MSL:

9 innings, 150 runs, average of 16.66 with one score of 50+.

Rightly so dropped, hope he works hard and does well in the PSL to be atleast selected for the Australia series.

[iPakistani]

Asif Ali in the MSL:

9 innings, 150 runs, average of 16.66 with one score of 50+.

Rightly so dropped, hope he works hard and does well in the PSL to be atleast selected for the Australia series.

Out of the 28 highest run scorers at the MSL Asif Ali has the lowest average of them all. That score of 82 really ballooned his average.

[rhony]

Poor guy had no clue what his role was. He was a designated hitter and ideally would come to bat in the 45th over and help Pak move from the 250 zone to 280+. Reality was different. He was moved up and down the order. He was batting in the 30th over in the Asia cup. He's not there to build an innings. He's not as savvy as Malik with a bag of tricks to know how to perform just enough to keep his spot. He had no chance to survive. It's Pak's loss because Shadab, Fahim have regressed with the bat and it's a very long tail.

[topspin]

Poor guy had no clue what his role was. He was a designated hitter and ideally would come to bat in the 45th over and help Pak move from the 250 zone to 280+. Reality was different. He was moved up and down the order. He was batting in the 30th over in the Asia cup. He's not there to build an innings. He's not as savvy as Malik with a bag of tricks to know how to perform just enough to keep his spot. He had no chance to survive. It's Pak's loss because Shadab, Fahim have regressed with the bat and it's a very long tail.

I agree with this assessment of his exclusion. Good analysis!

[Mamoon]

He was damaged goods. A clear representation of our rotten system.

While it is clear that is a gifted striker, he has no semblance of batting intelligence and it is not something that can be drilled into him at the age of 27-28.

The management and the selectors did well to cut their losses because he was never going to make it at the top level.

The raw talent is there, but it is simply too late for him to refine his game. The damage was done years ago.

[topspin]

how are they worse? i'd rather have malik/hafeez.... hell i'd much rather have imam in the side than asif ali.

that gift is pointless if he doesn't use it, he's good for a good 20 or 30 but you can't have a pure batsman in the side for pretty 20s and 30s... keep him for odis.. .. he played one good knock of 80 odd runs, he failed in the rest of the matches.

if he was any good, he would have played at least one or two knocks here and there that was justify his selection.

sorry but he should stick to t20s and leagues..

it's a waste giving him a run in the team...

he's a poor mans afridi and that's saying something

Shoaib Malik is a tail ender against 140+ bowling and against all pace bowlers outside Asia. He can play medium pace on slower wickets that's it.

On faster wickets and quick bowlers he only really has one shot which is that dab to third man. He would be more useful if the WC was held in Asia but in England he will struggle big time because he simply isn't equipped to play shots all round the wicket of the front and back foot.

Hafeez is a better against pace but like Malik he is also getting on a bit - I believe he'll be turning 39 this year, so we can't rely on him to much with the bat unless the top order can provide him a solid foundation with just a few wickets down after 35-40 overs. His hand eye coordination isn't great these days but at least he shows intent which is why he needs to play the hitter role if there is no other firepower coming in at number 6. Batting him at 4 or 5 would be a mistake because he will get exposed against a harder new ball.

Asif Ali simply hasn't played enough but I expect a strong showing of his hitting skills in the PSL which will make Inzi & co look silly because he might have to be selected again due to the lack of options who can play a role which he is tailor made for.

[topspin]

He was damaged goods. A clear representation of our rotten system.

While it is clear that is a gifted striker, he has no semblance of batting intelligence and it is not something that can be drilled into him at the age of 27-28.

The management and the selectors did well to cut their losses because he was never going to make it at the top level.

The raw talent is there, but it is simply too late for him to refine his game. The damage was done years ago.

While I agree with that he lacks batting intelligence, the problem is who else can we get to play that pinch hitting role? Faheem and Shadab are glorified tail enders and picking accumulators in his place for me would indicate the team isn't serious about competing for the WC.

With the PSL and some ODI series coming up why can't he improve just in time for the WC? Fakhar Zaman looked hopeless before he won Pakistan the CT. I know you've referred to that run of games as a fluke of his, but four consecutive clutch knocks isn't flukey in any way but a sign of his ability.

[Chokli]

His hand eye coordination isn't great these days but at least he shows intent which is why he needs to play the hitter role if there is no other firepower coming in at number 6. Batting him at 4 or 5 would be a mistake because he will get exposed against a harder new ball.

Asif Ali simply hasn't played enough but I expect a strong showing of his hitting skills in the PSL which will make Inzi & co look silly because he might have to be selected again due to the lack of options who can play a role which he is tailor made for.

I agree, Hafeez is best suited for number 6.

It's not like Asif Ali set the world on fire in the PSL.... and despite playing the PSL in the UAE he hasn't done anything in the matches we had in the UAE... Asia cup, NZ, AUS etc.

Lets see how he does this year

[hadi123]

While I agree with that he lacks batting intelligence, the problem is who else can we get to play that pinch hitting role? Faheem and Shadab are glorified tail enders and picking accumulators in his place for me would indicate the team isn't serious about competing for the WC.

With the PSL and some ODI series coming up why can't he improve just in time for the WC? Fakhar Zaman looked hopeless before he won Pakistan the CT. I know you've referred to that run of games as a fluke of his, but four consecutive clutch knocks isn't flukey in any way but a sign of his ability.

Zaman looked hopeless before CT????????? He only debuted in ODI's in the CT, not sure what you are talking about.

[topspin]

Zaman looked hopeless before CT????????? He only debuted in ODI's in the CT, not sure what you are talking about.

T20Is against WI

[hadi123]

T20Is against WI

He played 2 T20I's, in WI, and he was batting at a position which is not his normal position, bit harsh to judge someone as 'hopeless' based on a) Tiny sample size b) them being played in the lower middle order when their role is an opener...

[topspin]

He played 2 T20I's, in WI, and he was batting at a position which is not his normal position, bit harsh to judge someone as 'hopeless' based on a) Tiny sample size b) them being played in the lower middle order when their role is an opener...

That was the sentiment at the time among the fans on PP. I remember quite a few posters citing him as a "tail ender" when really he just needed a little bit more time to acclimatise to internationals which he managed sooner than expected superbly in the CT.

[Pete Rose]

very good player if Pakistan are regularly able to get to 200 - 240 by the 40th over having lost three wickets at best.

But since Pakistan cant do that, and he hasnt shown ability to adapt, its fair to leave him out of the odi side.
Interesting conundrum for Pakistan is that they will find 75 to 80 strike rate plodders but not many who can get a move on: so is it a case of the top order failing Asif Ali or Asif Ali failing the team.

[Pete Rose]

Kind of expected.

Pakistan's batting is too weak to accomodate a high-risk batter like Asif.

Problem is that it causes confusion for guys like Asif when they are dropped: are they supposed to mould their game because the top order cant get to 200 or so by 40 over with only three wickets down?

[Mamoon]

While I agree with that he lacks batting intelligence, the problem is who else can we get to play that pinch hitting role? Faheem and Shadab are glorified tail enders and picking accumulators in his place for me would indicate the team isn't serious about competing for the WC.

With the PSL and some ODI series coming up why can't he improve just in time for the WC? Fakhar Zaman looked hopeless before he won Pakistan the CT. I know you've referred to that run of games as a fluke of his, but four consecutive clutch knocks isn't flukey in any way but a sign of his ability.

Fakhar’s case is different because he is getting found out now. Teams are looking to exploit his awful technique now. It is up to him to find a way out, but he is looking vulnerable.

Looking at his F/C career, Asif appears to have been found in domestic cricket, and wouldn’t have played for Pakistan without those three sixes against Hasan Ali in the PSL Final.

The problem with Hasan is, no matter how well he is bowling, he is always on the cusp of getting smashed. Inzamam looked too much into that performance and jumped the gun. Nevertheless, he has learned from his error in judgement quickly which is fair enough.

[MenInG]

Asif Ali in the Pakistan T20 squad based upon his Mzansi T20 League performances as per PCB

"Asif had a successful Mzansi Super League in South Africa where he scored 150 runs at a strike-rate of over 180 for the Cape Town Blitz. In a 16-match T20I career, Asif has scored 237 runs at a strike-rate of just under 140"

[MenInG]

Asif Ali - difficult to see him lasting too long if he plays the way he is - seems clueless at times.

[cricket_cfa]

At the moment pakistan does not seem to have talent to win wc... Still hope to see team giving 100% and fight in wc
Currently they look bad as compared to SA by a fair margin

[saeedhk]

First round exit based on the performance of our batters.

[DRsohail]

Will be the first casualty after this tour.