PORT OF SPAIN – Amidst accusations of regressing with opting for Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal for the ongoing T20 series against the West Indies, captain Sarfraz Ahmed said the selection of the two openers provides a unique challenge for Pakistani bowlers.
Talking to the media after winning the second T20 against the West Indies, Sarfraz said that the aim of the selection is to make things as hard for the bowlers as possible.
“Let’s be honest, neither Ahmed Shehzad nor Kamran Akmal is a popular selection,” the wicketkeeper batsman said. “But what they do add to the team is that they give bowlers the additional incentive to go the extra mile knowing that they won’t be getting much support from the batsmen.”
Sarfraz added that Pakistani bowlers are blessed with a batting unit that allows them to remain in the limelight.
“Bowling first they know that sure as hell our batting won’t be able to chase more than 140,” he said. “And when we bat first the total isn’t much either, leaving the bowlers with all to do.”
Sarfraz said the addition of Mohammed Hafeez was also a part of the same plan, before he was dropped for the second T20.
“Our aim is to make things difficult for our bowlers, not impossible,” he concluded.