Pakistan must bring 'trump card' Asif back for T20 survival: Akram

Islamabad, May 4 (ANI): Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has raised questions over the team management's decision of not playing fast bowler Mohammed Asif in the game against Australia in the ICC World T20 Championship.

Akram said that Pakistan's team composition in the match, that the defending champions lost by 34 runs, was not right and he was amazed to find Asif missing from the final eleven.

"Pakistan's combination was not right. I do not know why Mohammed Asif is not playing. Mohammed Sami is a talented bowler and he did well against Bangladesh, but against the Kangaroos his length was not up to the mark and that's why he conceded so many runs. Asif has proved time and again his class and should be brought back without further ado," The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

He said Pakistani bowlers gave away too many runs in the match, which gave the Kangaroos an advantage.

Akram, one of best fast bowler of his time, said he was also baffled by skipper Shahid Afridi's move to make part time bowlers like Mohammed Hafeez to bowl a full quota of four overs, which proved costly.

"The defending champions did not look prepared for the match, which is quite understandable as they have not played much cricket in the last couple of months or so. But Pakistan soon have to adapt to the challenges in the Caribbean," he said.

Akram also lauded India for its comfortable win against South Africa.

He also showered praise on left-hand batsman Suresh Raina, whose blitzkrieg knock of 101 of 60 balls helped India register a comprehensive win 14-run win against the Proteas.

"For me, he (Raina) is the best young batsman in the world. He did well in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and is keeping up the good work in the Caribbean," Akram said. (ANI)