Last Updated:
Rashid Latif backs Saim Ayub despite batting struggles in Asia Cup, highlighting the latter’s key bowling contributions for Pakistan against Oman, India and UAE.
PAK batter Saim Ayub in action (X)
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has said that nothing is working in favour of Saim Ayub as he is getting caught off any shot that he plays, adding that he would definitely play a big knock in one of the crucial matches, even as Pakistan’s top order looks very fragile due to Ayub’s form.
Ayub registered his third straight duck of the Asia Cup, after scores of 0 against Oman and arch-rivals India, when he was dismissed again against the hosts UAE.
But Latif requested patience and defended Ayub, highlighting that he has been contributing with the ball.
“Kabhi kabaar aisa hota hai, banda oont pad baitha hai aur kutta kaat jaata hai, uske saath yahi ho raha hai (It happens at times that an individual does everything right but still things go wrong),” Latif said while speaking on a YouTube show.
“Woh kaha par catch hokar out ho gaya… kabhi yu maara toh out ho gaya, kabhi aisa maara to out ho gaya. Bura time aata hai sabka. Yeh bowling se apne team mein khel raha hai (He is getting out on every shot that he is playing. He is in the team because of his bowling),” Latif said.
“Badhe match mein kisi mein fodhega. Ya to phoot jayega ya fod dega (He will play a blazing knock in one of the big matches. It will be either a hit or a miss),” Latif added.
Ayub’s right-arm spin has already fetched six wickets in three matches, 2/8 vs Oman, 3/35 vs India and 1/18 vs the UAE, a key reason behind his retention despite batting failures.
Ayub (1/18 in 4 overs), who has more wickets than runs in the Asia Cup till now, bowled Muhammad Zohaib with a straight fast ball that kept a tad low.
September 18, 2025, 12:22 IST
Read More
