Simon Doull says “An 80-year-old running around in 2 people” in T20 World Cup 2021. Pakistan has been urged not to play Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, according to Simon Doull. They are both in the starting XI for the match against India. Also, referring to them as an “80-year-old stranded in two bodies.” Doull’s statements came on a chat show with Cricbuzz. While picking his preferred XI for Pakistan for the bumper clash. Also, the former New Zealand pacer said he’ll choose Hafeez and Haider Ali. He suggested that Hafeez, 41, and Malik, 39, play together. They will be harmful to the team.
“Babar and Mohammad Rizwan at the top; Fakhar Zaman at three; Hafeez and Haider Ali. I don’t think they can play Hafeez and Shoaib Malik together. You don’t need an 80-year-old running around in two people. That can’t happen. I just don’t think they can play two 40-year-olds on the same team so I will go with Hafeez and Haidar Ali. [Then] Asif Ali, Imad Wasim definitely then Shadab, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” Simon Doull said.
Mohammad Hafeez
Regardless of his age, Hafeez has kept his Pakistan career. In track on the backs of consistent performances in the middle order. He has played 113 T20Is, scoring 2429 runs. At a strike rate of just under 121. Meanwhile, Malik hasn’t been a part of the national team for the last two years. He has played 116 T20Is, scoring 2335 runs at a strike rate of 124. Both spin-bowling all-rounders were left out of Pakistan’s preliminary squad. Also, the selectors’ preference towards younger batters.
Lastly, they were only added to the team recently. Also, apparently because of the pair’s performances in the National T20 Cup. The sluggish pitches in the UAE played a part in the decision. And then the selectors find value in their experience after observing IPL 2021.
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