Pak strategy to bolster batting line-up for Zimbabwe tour 'showed in results': Iqbal Qasim

Islamabad, Sept 20(ANI): Pakistan's strategy to bolster their batting line-up to compensate for an inexperienced bowling attack worked well during the Zimbabwe tour, former chief selector Iqbal Qasim has said.

Pakistan clinched the one-off Test and the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series before winning the two Twenty20s against Zimbabwe, an achievement that drew widespread appreciation.

However, prior to the tour, Pakistan team selectors were criticised for overlooking fast-bowling duo of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz and also excluding all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the team for the Zimbabwe tour.

"They went with a strong batting line-up, so that their inexperienced bowlers weren't under pressure," The Express Tribune quoted Qasim, as saying.

"The strategy worked and it showed in the results. The opener and the middle-order made sure that Pakistan got into a winning position," he added.

Apart from all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who bagged four man-of-the-match awards in six matches on the tour, former captain Younus Khan, Imran Farhat, skipper Misbahul Haq, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq also scored handy runs.

Aizaz Cheema finished with eight wickets in three ODIs and also claimed eight in his debut Test appearance. Off-spinners Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez and pacers Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan also bowled well.

Qasim said that while Cheema's age may not be on his side, the 32-year-old has proven to be a good replacement bowler.

"He knows that if he doesn't do well, he will be dropped and it's difficult to make a comeback at that age. His performance was good and he can be a good replacement bowler when Gul or Riaz needs rest," he added. (ANI)