KARACHI: Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has suggested that the Pakistan team should make two changes during the second Test against Zimbabwe scheduled to be played on May 7.
Shoaib Akhtar speaking on PTV Sports wants to see pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood in the Pakistan lineup. He added that Dahani’s inclusion will depend on whether Shaheen Afridi wants to rest or not.
He said, “Shahnawaz Dahani can be given a chance however, you need to ask Shaheen if he wants to rest. What if Shaheen doesn’t want to rest? There are already only a few Test matches on offer and, if I was asked the same question, I would have played,” he added.
Akhtar, who holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in world cricket said, “There is no harm in trying out against Zimbabwe. I think Dahani and Zahid Mehmood should be given a chance in the next Test match,” he added.
Earlier, Pakistan defeated hosts Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs after tea on the third day of the first Test at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Hasan Ali took nine wickets in the match. He moved past 50 Test wickets as he took a career-best 5-36 to help bowl Zimbabwe out for 134. He recorded figures of 4-53 during the home side’s first-innings score of 176.
Pakistan won the first Test in comprehensive fashion, by an innings and 116 runs, to take a one-nil lead in the two-match series.
Zimbabwe was bowled out for 134 on day 3 in the second innings leading to victory for Pakistan by an innings and 116 runs. On day 3, Zimbabwe openers lived dangerously to reach 36-0 in their second innings after Pakistan gained a big 250-run lead in the first Test in Harare.
