'Pakistan has been obsessed with all-rounders' says former Pakistan pacer

Following Pakistan's defeat to India in the World Cup 2023, former pacer Wahab Riaz has suggested that Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz should not be included together in the playing XI. He recommended giving Usama Mir a chance in place of either of them for the upcoming matches in the tournament.

While talking on a local sports channel, Wahab Riaz emphasized the need for finding wicket-taking options in the middle overs, especially if the fast bowlers struggle to make early breakthroughs against the opposing team.

“Shadab and Nawaz should not play together for Pakistan. I would rather have Usama Mir in place of either of those two. Pakistan has been obsessed with all-rounders, but we haven’t been able to understand who our strike bowler is if pacers don’t deliver. You need to have bowlers who give you wickets,” Wahab said.

Moreover, Wahab stressed the importance of being able to bowl out the opposition to succeed in the tournament. He highlighted the necessity of taking wickets consistently, especially on high-scoring pitches.

“If you have to win the World Cup in India, you have to bowl the opposition out. And we have not done that apart from the Netherlands. This is where we have to understand that other teams will take us for granted. Scores will be around 300 to 350, but you can think of restricting the opposition if you pick up wickets,” he further added.

After the loss to India, Pakistan currently holds the fourth position in the World Cup standings with four points and a net run rate of -0.137. Their next match is against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Friday.