Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan, who was declared unfit by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for South Africa tour, has been performing well in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) while playing for Khulna Titans.
The fast bowler was axed by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq who announced Pakistan’s squad for the five-match ODI series against South Africa last week. “Junaid Khan has not been considered for this tour because we feel he has to work more on his bowling since the fitness issues that had cut short his series against New Zealand,” according to Inzamam.
However, Junaid has been in sublime form in the BPL as he has picked eight wickets in just three T20 matches. In his last BPL match, the Pakistan pacer took four wickets but his side lost the match in the final over after Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera struck two sixes in two deliveries.
“Hard luck today @khulnatitans. Inshallah hoping to be better as a team in the upcoming matches. Really pleased with my performance Alhamdulillah 4/32. Kind request to always keep me in your prayers,” he tweeted after the tense game.
Off to Bangladesh for BPL. Excited to be part of khulna titans once again. Hoping to perform well and make a comeback for Pakistan team IN shaa Allah . Requesting prayers for my safe journey and good performance. #BPL2019 #junaidkhan pic.twitter.com/fesPLl3RQM
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) January 10, 2019
His last three bowling figures are: 4/32, 3/26 and 1/24. The 29-year-old currently averages 10.25 in the tournament.
Meanwhile, due to a toothache and high temperature, Junaid was unable to participate in Saturday’s match against Chittagong Vikings.
Junaid hopes to make a comeback in the Pakistan side. During his departure to Bangladesh, he said on Twitter, “Off to Bangladesh for BPL. Excited to be part of Khulna Titans once again. Hoping to perform well and make a comeback for Pakistan team In Shaa Allah. Requesting prayers for my safe journey and good performance.”
Congratulations to all players selected for the upcoming series against South Africa. Specially to those who made a comeback. Hopefully you all perform well Inshallah. pic.twitter.com/apqiaiBl2J
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) January 9, 2019
He had also congratulated the players who were selected for the national ODI squad.
