New Delhi: Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his support for Mohammad Rizwan to succeed Babar Azam as the captain of the Men in Green.
Babar Azam's tenure as the captain of the team appears to be at a critical juncture. Recent reports suggest that Rizwan is emerging as the frontrunner for the position.
These reports have elicited a variety of responses from both fans and former Pakistani cricketers. Basit Ali has endorsed Rizwan for the leadership role, having observed him captain the Markhors against the Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup.
Basit highlighted Rizwan's exceptional ability to understand the nature of the pitch, a skill that is notably absent in both Babar Azam and Test captain Shan Masood.
"The manner in which Rizwan led the team demonstrated his superiority as a captain. His ability to read the pitch is commendable. Even Babar Azam, who has been a Test captain, lacks this skill. I am not even referring to Shan Masood. If Rizwan is not appointed captain at this juncture, it would be a significant loss for Pakistan. This is the opportune moment to appoint Rizwan as captain," Basit stated in a video on his YouTube channel.
After achieving a moderate total of 231, the Stallions regained momentum when Rizwan decided to pass the baton to Shahnawaz Dahani to bowl the next eight overs.
With a variety of shots, Babar struck five consecutive fours from Dahani, propelling the Stallions to a lead of 47/1, seemingly well-positioned to chase the target.
Rizwan altered the team's strategy; he did not select Dahani for the remainder of the game. He diversified the bowling attack, incorporating spinners and pacers in an effort to secure a breakthrough.
Naseem Shah's dismissal of Shan Masood's stumps brought the Markhors back into the game. This single wicket set off a chain reaction, leading the Stallions to collapse like a house of cards and surrendering the match on 105 runs in 23.4 overs.
The spin duo of Zahid Mahmood (5/18) and Salman Ali Agha (3/21) systematically dismantled the Stallions' batting lineup, culminating in an impressive 126-run victory.
