New Delhi, Aug 23 : Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris believes that with the current condition Pakistan captain Babar Azam is in right now, bowlers will need to make a special delivery to knock him out.Azam is the only batter currently who is in the top three positions of all formats in international cricket.
A prolific run-scorer in white-ball cricket, he will be seen in action at the forthcoming Asia Cup, where Pakistan will take on the arch-rivals of India on the 28th of August in Dubai.
He was one of the principal players in Pakistan’s 10-wicket defeat of India in the T20 World Cup last year in which he had a perfect record of 52 balls and hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in the chase of 152 runs, along with his opener, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who made 79 not out.
“I’m not certain (on what to do to get Azam out).I believe what you would suggest is that if India could win any team could say , I’ll give you 16 Babar Azams and then you’re out.They’d do the offer all days of the week.He is just that excellent.He is the best man around.The usual try to do is offer him a single, take him off strike and bowl him at the opposite end.It’s not anything new.It’s been around for a decade , or two or three decades.”
“So that kind of strategy for Babar Azam I’m guessing Babar Azam is used to it, but I’m not certain that it will work.I think you’ve need to be a bit bold.Take a risk and try that magical delivery that you’re somewhat hesitant to make as, if you do it wrong, it could be a knockout of the park, because it will require an exceptional delivery to get someone similar to him in the shape the player is in.”
“He’s an extremely good player at the moment , and it could be the reason why he’s playing.However I’m sure I’d require a few more hours of studying film to find out any weaknesses he has however, as it is simply a matter of being active and take it on,” said Styris on “Sports Over The Top,” a show on Sports18.
Pakistan are set to participate in the Asia Cup 2022 without their left-arm pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury to his right knee ligament.
Styris believes that the absence of Afridi is a blessing for all top-order players of every team that will be participating in the tournament.
“Every top-of-the-line should be celebrating since he has every attribute that you could desire in fast bowlers.
He has the height, he has the pace, he gets bounce, he is able to throw the ball and he has the option of being a left-handed player as well.Also, everything you’d expect from an efficient bowler he can provide it.”
“So I’m with you (on Afridi’s absence).I believe that each highest order in this tournament and not only the Indian top order , who are at risk of the ball returning I believe that they will be thrilled that he isn’t around and increases their chances of winning the tournament.”
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