Asif Ali is what Pakistan needs, says ex-captain

Batting is not considered Pakistan cricket team’s strongest attribute, however, it did the talking during the second One Day International (ODI) against England, as the visitors failed to almost clinch the victory in a high scoring thriller.

Pakistani batsmen managed to score 361 runs in their chase of England’s 373 at Southampton, mainly owing to the aggressive batting of opener Fakhar Zaman and middle order batsman Asif Ali.

Pakistan former captain Ramiz Raja was particularly impressed with Asif, and considers him the answer to Pakistan batting woes. “There is a lot of undue pressure created on Asif by not selecting him, however, he showcased his hitting talent and bat really well, because Asif is in a lot of pressure as every match for him is a trial match,” said Raja, at Ramiz Speaks.

“Asif provides the Pakistani batting line with aggression and power hitting and this is what Pakistan needs on the fifth and sixth slot,” added Raja.

Asif's knock of 51 off 36 deliveries featuring two boundaries and four maximums provided the Men in Green with the impetus and kept them in the chase of a mammoth 373 runs target. However, Pakistan fell short of 12 runs as they lost wickets during the final overs of the game.

With the five match series 1-0, Pakistan would take on the host England in the third One Day International (ODI) on Tuesday at Bristol.