'He is a match-winning player' - Saqlain Mushtaq backs Hasan Ali to do well in West Indies ODIs

The head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Saqlain Mushtaq, came in support of Hasan Ali, calling him a ‘match-winning player’ after the pacer received backlash from fans. Mushtaq also said that the team would test its bench strength going into the home series against West Indies. Pakistan will face the Caribbeans in a three-match One-day International (ODI) series, starting from June 08.

Mushtaq said that Ali was fatigued but is fresh coming into the series. Ali made his international debut in 2016 and has played 126 games for Pakistan ever since. The head coach added that everybody in the team is unified and that players would be rested if requested. The former Pakistan spinner also said that the Men in Green would fully prepare to whitewash the touring team and improve on their position in the ICC World Cup Super League points table.

We are hopeful of defeating West Indis 3-0: Saqlain Mushtaq

Mushtaq said that the players are working hard and that the training was going according to their plans. Although the conditions are hot, he believes that the support staff is strategizing as per the team’s strength. Pakistan won their previous ODI series 2-1 over Australia at home. They have won six and also lost as many games in the World Cup Super League. West Indies are fourth on the table with eight wins and 10 losses.

“Hasan is a match-winning player and he has proved it with his performances. He was a little fatigued but now he is fresh,” said Mushtaq as quoted by Cricket Pakistan. “All players are unified, and we will provide rest to those who request it. The West Indies team will come fully prepared. We have not done all the work on them yet but are hopeful of defeating them 3-0.”

“The players are working hard and training is going on as per plans. There is no doubt that it is hot but the support staff is making the strategy as per the strength of our players,” Mushtaq added.