Three Pakistan batsmen will play for their survival in second innings: Latif

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has claimed that Pakistan batsmen Azhar Ali, Shan Masood and Haris Sohail will play for their survival in the second innings of the ongoing Karachi Test against Sri Lanka.

While speaking in a video, the former wicketkeeper-batsman said that Pakistan batsmen tend to perform better when their places are on the line.

“Three Pakistan batsmen are playing for their survival," said Latif. “Our batsmen perform better when they are playing for their survival. Haris Sohail, Azhar Ali and Shan Masood will be playing for their places, so it is an important inning for them which is why they will be more focused."

“Azhar Ali has a chance to make a comeback and I am expecting Rizwan to come good as he can sweep the Sri Lankan spinners," he added.

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The 51-year-old believes Pakistan has an upper hand over Sri Lanka at the end of day two.

“If Pakistan does well in the first session tomorrow, they will end up taking 60 points for the World Test championship," he said. “Sri Lanka has panicked in my opinion and I think they will end up giving a lead of 300 to Pakistan. I believe a lead of 250 runs would be enough."

Latif added that Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah is also treading on thin ice as far as his recent performances are concerned.

“If Yasir doesn’t perform with the ball in the fourth innings, then he should be rested and needs to go back to his basics by working with Mushtaq Ahmed," he concluded.