PAK vs SL: "Hasan Ali Was Very Effective On His Line And Length" - Dale Steyn Lauds Pakistan Pacer

Former speedster Dale Steyn was impressed with Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali’s bowling performance in their opening game of the ICC World Cup 2023. Dale Steyn emphasized that Hasan Ali focused on maintaining his line and length instead of relying solely on a high pace.

Hasan Ali picked up two wickets for 33 runs in his 7 overs against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6. The right-arm pacer provided an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Max O’Dowd in the sixth over.

Hasan Did A Wonderful Job – Dale Steyn

In a YouTube video shared by ESPNcricinfo, Dale Steyn noted that Hasan Ali hadn’t taken the new ball in recent times but did a great job.

“He (Hasan Ali) hasn’t taken the new ball for a while now. It disrupts things when you lose your usual fast bowling unit that opens the bowling. But he came in and did a wonderful job. He didn’t really try and get the pace up to that 140-145 KMPH. He was very effective on his line and length,” Steyn told ESPNcricinfo.

“The other thing that I enjoyed about him was that he had a good smile on his face. It looked like he was enjoying himself. When you are enjoying yourself, things come a little bit easier,” he added.

Hasan Ali hadn’t featured in the national team’s 50-over format for a year and missed the Asia Cup 2023. However, he made a comeback to the Pakistan World Cup squad when Naseem Shah was sidelined from the tournament.

Haris Rauf Is Their Go-To-Guy After Shaheen Afridi – Wasim Jaffer

During the same discussion, former India opener Wasim Jaffer lauded Haris Rauf’s bowling abilities, highlighting his effectiveness with short balls.

“He (Haris Rauf) bowls the hard length. The fuller length that he bowls is really quick. When he pitches it in the right areas, he is always in the game. He uses that short ball really well. So, he has got all the tricks up his sleeve, and he is their go-to guy after Shaheen Afridi. However, bigger challenges lie ahead,” Jaffer said.

Haris Rauf took three wickets for 43 runs in his nine overs. The team led by Babar Azam started their World Cup campaign with an 81-run victory over the Netherlands. The Men in Green moved into second place on the 10-team points table with two points in their tally.

Also read: PAK vs NED: Watch – Hasan Ali, Paul van Meekeren Involved In A Verbal Banter During Match No.2 Of ICC World Cup 2023