Key points
- Specialist bowler needed for India clash
- Faheem Ashraf floated as bowling option
- India reach final after beating Bangladesh
ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has offered strategic advice to the national team ahead of their crucial clash against Bangladesh in what is being termed a ‘virtual semifinal’ of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in Dubai.
The winner of this high-pressure encounter will secure a place in Sunday’s final, where arch-rivals India await.
Speaking in an interview on a local sports programme, Misbah stressed the importance of long-term planning rather than solely focusing on the immediate fixture against Bangladesh.
“The point is, what is your ultimate goal? If you’re thinking about winning this match and then going to the final, I don’t think anyone would agree that we should go with the same bowling attack in the final. You will need to bring in a specialist bowler,” Misbah said.
Extra pace option
The former head coach highlighted the need for Pakistan to prepare for a potential final against India, where an extra pace option could prove critical.
“From what we’ve seen, if we end up facing India in the final after winning, then we clearly need a right-arm bowler who can bring the ball in from the angle. Otherwise, you can give the new ball to Haris [Rauf] if he can manage it, but still, I believe we will need a third fast bowler,” he explained.
Misbah also named all-rounder Faheem Ashraf as a possible tactical option, especially when opening the bowling alongside Shaheen Afridi, particularly against left-handed batters.
“Faheem is an option in such a way that if you make him bowl with the new ball alongside Shaheen, it will be an advantage because of the angle against left-handers. And I think that if you play the same team tomorrow, then what is your ultimate goal?” he questioned.
“The same question applies to you—if this team plays tomorrow’s match, there won’t be an issue because the opposition is also struggling against spinners in the middle overs,” he added.
Final
However, Misbah maintained that while Faheem may be a viable choice for the semifinal, Pakistan will need to reassess their bowling line-up should they progress to the final.
“Faheem can also come in and bowl, but for the next [final], you will have to think again,” he concluded.
Pakistan are scheduled to take on the Bengal Tigers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with a place in the final against India at stake.
India, the 2016 champions, secured their spot in the final following a comprehensive 41-run win over Bangladesh in Wednesday’s Super Four clash. Abhishek Sharma’s rapid half-century helped India post 168/6 in 20 overs, while Bangladesh were dismissed for 127 in 19.3 overs despite a determined fifty from Saif Hassan.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have been knocked out of the tournament. The grand finale of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 is set for Sunday in Dubai.
