Pakistan tweak Asia Cup squad, add in-form Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel played five ODIs in his first stint but didn't manage to impress. However, his Test career started on a completely different note and after seven matches, he has a staggering average of 87.5. It was a surprise to many when the Southpaw wasn't named in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Instead, he was picked in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan fans wanted Saud to get some chances against Afghanistan to prove his mettle in the white-ball format. They felt that with the World Cup starting in just over a month, having an in-form batter like Saud in the mix could bode well for the former champions. The team management, however, opted to go in with Iftikhar Ahmed for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan which the 'Men in Green' won and the left-handed batter only came in for the inconsequential third ODI on Saturday, August 26. He looked in good touch but was run out for nine off six balls.

On the same day, Saud and his fans received great news as the 27-year-old was added to Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup. On the other hand, Tayyab Tahir will be the travelling reserve for Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The right-handed batter was part of the squad against Afghanistan but didn't play a game.

Pakistan managed to whitewash Afghanistan in the recently-concluded ODI series. Babar Azam and Co. were the better side for most parts during the three games as Afghanistan's batting left a lot to be desired. This comprehensive result should give the Asian giants a lot of confidence going into the Asia Cup, a competition they have won twice. They are placed in Group A in the six-team tournament alongside debutants Nepal and arch-rivals India. Pakistan begin their campaign on Wednesday, August 30 against Nepal in Multan.