IND vs IRE: "Umran Malik Bowls Very Fast, But Is Quite Wayward" - Former Pakistan Cricketer Danish Kaneria

Umran Malik, a rookie pacer for Team India, is expected to improve his bowling as he participates in more international cricket games, according to former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria. 

While he acknowledged that Umran Malik has the pace, he still has to improve his line and length, he said in a video posted on his YouTube page. The right-armer, in Kaneria’s opinion, is quite erratic and lacking in control. 

Umran Malik Has A Long Way To Go: Danish Kaneria

But he asserted that with the help of India’s coaching team, the gifted young player will improve. When you are representing your nation, there is always added pressure, according to Kaneria. 

He stated: 

“Umran Malik bowls very fast, but he has a long way to go as he is quite wayward. He will improve as he plays more matches. It is not easy to handle the pressure of playing international cricket.

Playing for an IPL franchise is different, but things are completely different in international cricket as there are a lot of eyeballs on you.” 

Malik excelled with the ball in the Indian Premier League this year (IPL 2022). The fast bowler, who was a member of SunRisers Hyderabad, concluded the season as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets from 14 games. 

Following the lucrative league, Malik received his first call-up to India. In the just finished T20I series against Ireland, he played his first T20I match. In the two games, the young Jammu player was only able to claim one wicket. 

Ireland Played With A Lot Of Confidence: Danish Kaneria

The former cricketer emphasised how Ireland played courageous cricket in the second T20I as they chased a huge total of 225. Against Indian bowlers who have had great success in the IPL, he said, the Irish hitters performed remarkably well. Kaneria added: 

“It takes courage to chase a target like 225 in T20 cricket. Ireland played with a lot of confidence and entertained us with their batting.

They were up against some quality Indian bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, Axar Patel, and Harshal Patel. These are the bowlers who have proved their mettle in the IPL.” 

Ireland came perilously close to defeating Hardik Pandya and company. The goal was ultimately missed by four runs, leaving the hosts at 221/5 after 20 overs. 

The hosts’ captain Andrew Balbirnie led the way with the bat, smashing a brave half-century at the top of the order. The explosive hitter mesmerised the audience with his quick-fire 60-ball innings in just 37 deliveries. 

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