Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has predicted youngsters Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris as the future superstars of Pakistan cricket. The Men in Green has provided the opportunity for youngsters against Afghanistan of which few players have impressed the experts.
Speaking to the local media in Lahore, former head coach Misbah lauded Ihsanullah for his terrific bowling against Afghanistan as he was the highest wicket-taker in the series with six wickets. The veteran also named two young batters who were impressive in recent times.
“Ihsanullah is the kind of bowler, who can win you series and tournaments. He can make a big impact. Whereas in batting, we have discovered Saim Ayub. [Mohammad] Haris has also given good performances,” Misbah-ul-Haq said.
In March 2023, at the end of the PSL, Ihsanullah won both the HBL PSL 8 Player of the Tournament award as well the Bowler of HBL PSL 8 award, for his 22 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. His spell against Quetta Gladiators is also considered the fastest in PSL’s history, with an average speed of 144.37 kph.
Saim Ayub made his mark in the PSL 2023 season with consistent run-scoring for Peshawar Zalmi along with Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. Ayub is excepted to play a vital role for Pakistan at the top of the order.
Ihsanullah And Saim Ayub Can Do A Lot For Pakistan In The Future – Misbah-ul-Haq
Misbah-ul-Haq believes Pakistan have good depth in both batting and bowling department and reckons these youngsters can do a lot for the Men in Green in the foreseeable future if they continue to work hard.
During the Afghanistan series, Pakistan played with a young team keeping the 2024 T20 World Cup in the mind. The Men in Green suffered their first-ever series defeat against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
“The two players we have got in batting and bowling if they continue to work hard, then they can do a lot for Pakistan in the future,” Misbah added.
Both youngsters Saim Ayub and Ihsanullah have now been retained in the T20 squad for the New Zealand series. With continued hard work, these players can help take the team to new heights in upcoming tournaments.
Babar Azam is set to return for the Men in Green to lead them against the young New Zealand side. The 1st T20 between New Zealand and Pakistan will be held on April 14, in Lahore. Meanwhile, the ODI series will kick start in Rawalpindi on April 26. The remaining four ODIs will take place in Karachi.