Youngsters ready to roar for Pakistan

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are going to witness the battle to decide Asia's best in cricketing field.
It is unfortunate that political tensions between the two countries have kept both teams apart except ICC events. The last time both the sides met during the Champions Trophy 2017 final which was won by Pakistan comprehensively.
Pakistani players have attended military-style training camp in Abbottabad to get themselves ready for the tournament. Coach Mickey Arthur has been able to improve the fitness level of the team.
Apart from seniors like captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammed Amir and Shoaib Malik, Pakistan will be banking on youngsters like Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Shadab Khan, Fahim Ashraf and Asif Ali.
All eyes will be on Fakhar in Asia Cup for his exploits in the recently concluded series against Zimbabwe. The left-hander's scintillating 139 against India in the final of Champions Trophy 2017 is still fresh in the memories of Pakistani fans. His performance can prove a crucial factor in the tournament for two-time champions Pakistan.
After that innings, Fakhar failed to repeat this performance in following matches, and people started to doubt his ability. Many thought the century against India was a fluke and pressure began to mount on the left-hander to justify his place in the Pakistan XI.
Then came the Zimbabwe tour where Fakhar broke record after record and emerged as the shining star on the horizon of cricket.
The left-hander became the first batsman from Pakistan to score a double century in one-day internationals.
He became the fastest batsman to reach 1,000 runs in the ODIs. He reached the milestone in 18 innings, beating the previous record of 21 innings, held by five other batsmen including West Indies great Viv Richards.
The opener was also part of the record with Imam ul Haq as they made the highest opening partnership of 304 runs.
The Pakistan opener also recorded the most runs scored by a batsman between two dismissals in ODIs, with 455.
Fakhar has given Pakistani cricket fans many happy moments in his early career and cricket enthusiasts hope he stays grounded and contributes to Pakistan's success in the Asia Cup.
Shadab is another youngster who has cemented his place in the team due to his consistent performances.
The youngster represented Islamabad United in Pakistan Super League, and his coach Dean Jones predicted that he would be part of national team sooner than later. He proved right, and now Shadab has become an integral part of
the team.
The leg-spinner is turning out a complete player as apart from a useful late order batsman he is an excellent fielder. His presence has infused a new enthusiasm in the team.
Fahim is another addition to the Pakistan side who needed a good all-rounder badly. After the departure of Azhar Mahmood and Abdul Razzaq, Pakistan failed to produce a quality all-rounder.
Azhar, a bowling coach at the moment, said Fahim has the ability to overshadow Razzaq and Azhar.
He bowls at 140km per hour with a nippy action and has played some match-winning knocks in his short career for Pakistan. He could be one of the top performers for Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
The selection of Imam, the nephew of great Inzamam ul Haq, drew huge controversy. Some cricket pundits in Pakistan predicted he would be a failure because his only qualification is that he is the nephew of chief selector Inzamam.
Although he performed well on a domestic level, still some critics from Karachi were very critical of his selection.
The youngster proved everybody wrong by notching up four centuries in his first nine one-day internationals. His partnership with Fakhar at the top of the innings is blossoming, and they have already set some records.
Asif's introduction in the middle order has strengthened the batting, and he ticks all the boxes of a batsman in the modern game.
He can change the complexion of the game in few overs. He has done in the PSL and during his short career with the national team. He can play big shots with such ease and is a treat to watch.
Legend Misbahul Haq during the previous PSL predicted Asif would be part of Pakistan team.
Asif represents Faisalabad team in the domestic circuit, captained by Misbah. Misbah while talking to Khaleej Times last year said: "Asif has an abundance of talent and the PSL has provided him with a chance to flourish on the big stage. I am aware of his abilities because, in the 2013 semi-final of the domestic T20 tournament, he hit a blistering century against the bowling of Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali. I knew from that day that this lad would play for Pakistan one day.
"Asif can be a success story with Pakistan team," the former captain of Pakistan predicted.
- liaqat@khaleejtimes.com

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