‘Unknown’ pacers maintain Pak legacy

NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket finally has something to smile about after years of disappointment. Sarfraz Ahmed’s side won the ICC Champions Trophy in June to complete the set of ICC trophies. Their winning streak continued against Sri Lanka who they whitewashed 5-0.

One of the biggest factors behind their recent ODI success has been the brigade of ‘unknown’, never-seen-before fast bowlers who have led the charge.

Hasan Ali has been the leader and has been backed up well by other lesser-known names in the absence of experienced pacers like Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. Pakistan is famed for producing quality pacers despite little infrastructure at the grassroots level. Since the time of Fazal Mahmood, right up to Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed, Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul, Amir and Wahab, the pace bowling supply line has been talented, explosive and world-class.

PACE TRADITION

Despite adverse situations --- little domestic cricket, no international cricket at home for eight years and the Pakistan Super League still struggling to return home --- Pakistan’s legacy is being carried forward by these ‘unknown’ pacers (see graphic).

The emergence of Usman Khan and Ruman Raees along with Ehsan Adil, Anwar Ali, Rahat Ali, Aizaz Cheema, Bilawal Bhatti and Sohail Khan is proof of how Pakistan’s pace bowling continues to flourish despite sever obstacles.

The main reason is tape ball cricket, played in every nook and corner of the country.