Asia Cup 2022: “Medical Team Has Given Him Green Signal” – Saqlain Mushtaq Says Mohammad Rizwan Is Fit To Play The Tournament
Published - 07 Sep 2022, 09:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:12 AM
Pakistan National Cricket Team head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has stated that the star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has received a green signal from the medical team and he is fully fit to participate in the remainder of the Asia Cup 2022.
The No.1 ranked T20I batter, Rizwan, had suffered a knee injury during the Super 4 match between India National Cricket Team and Pakistan National Cricket Team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
| ICC Teams Rankings | ICC Players Rankings
Mushtaq told the media that they can call a replacement for Rizwan whenever needed, but currently, the star wicketkeeper-batsman will continue to play in the marquee tournament.
“These things happen, Pakistan is not that far from UAE, if we have such a situation we can call backup but there’s no need as of now. Rizwan’s workload is a lot and we will look to manage it. For now, the medical team has given him the green signal,” said the legendary spinner.
Saqlain Mushtaq further talked about the strategy of Team Pakistan in their high-profile Asia Cup 2022 game against India. He said:
“There are strategies in which you attack the main bowler or batsman as that jolts the flow of the team. India was clear on the strategy and came with a positive attitude but our bowlers bowled well with an attacking mindset and kept taking wickets. Our captain kept an attacking mindset and was successful. Bhuvneshwar was attacked as he had bowled well earlier and was important to take him on and our batters executed it well.”
The Pakistan head coach further said that the No.3 batter Fakhar Zaman, who has not been at his best in the multi-nation tournament, and pace bowler Hasan Ali are proven match winners.
“Fakhar is a warrior type of person, his past performances speak of it, he is a match winner. And we have no doubt over him and he will return performances. Hasan Ali has been the world number one in the white ball format and has performed well with red ball as well for us. He is with us and due to the rest policy he was given rest but he is a proven match winner and will use him when required,” said the former player.
We cannot write off any team in T20, especially Afghanistan – Saqlain Mushtaq
Match 4 of the Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 round will witness the clash between Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team (A2) and Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team (B2) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 7.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan head coach said that any team can’t be taken lightly in T20 cricket, especially a team like Afghanistan. He asserted:
“We cannot write off any team in T20, especially Afghanistan. The way they have played cricket and registered two wins in the first stage beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is incredible.”
While talking about Babar Azam’s poor run with the bat in the ongoing Asia Cup, Mushtaq said that they are not worried about his performances. He said:
“Babar is a world-class player, he has not scored in the past 2-3 matches but we don’t have any doubts regarding him.
“His performance has been not an issue for us. We do not listen to outside noise and we don’t need to change anything, either Babar’s position or the team’s.”
The Pakistan head coach praised Mohammad Nawaz for his brilliant performance in the ongoing tournament. He asserted:
“Nawaz’s performance is not a surprise as he has been performing consistently in domestic cricket. Imad was there in the team and hence he wasn’t getting opportunities.”
The Pakistan head coach was also hopeful of Pakistan winning the Asia Cup 2022 championship. He said:
“T20 is unpredictable, dressing room environment is important, on and off the field we have good vibes, the boys are enjoying and we are hopeful that we will win playing the best cricket.”
Get All Cricket match prediction and fantasy Tips – CLICK HERE
Cricket Match Prediction | T20 World Cup Match Prediction | Today Match Fantasy Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket News and Updates | Cricket Live Score
