National T20 Cup: Can these spinners turn their fortunes?

By: Kaukab Azhar

The National T20 Cup First XI tournament featuring six cricket associations is just around the corner and players can’t wait to be in action for the very first time after COVID-19 restrictions. 

All eyes are on the mega event as some of the young and exciting picks are all set to amuse the cricket fans across the country.

Here we discuss a few spinners who are on the fringes and can use the National T20 Cup to make a case for selection in the national squad:

• Muhammad Nawaz

The highly-rated left-arm spinner has represented Pakistan in all three formats, though he has failed to make a strong impression with his performances in any of the formats. He will be part of a strong bowling line-up of the Northern Region that has Imad, Shadab, Amir, Musa, Haris, and Sohail Tanvir.

T20 Record

Bowling: M: 136  Wkts: 109  Av: 26.96  BBI: 5/24

Batting:  M: 136  Runs: 1368  Av: 21.37  SR: 117.02

• Kashif Bhatti

Hailed from Nawabshah, Kashif Bhatti toured Australia and England as a backup for Yasir Shah. The 34-year old veteran has just one PSL appearance for Karachi Kings.

Representing Balochistan, Kashif has a chance to form a formidable partnership with Yasir Shah. He has some ability with the bat and can make a case for selection if he can fill the role of a spinner/power-hitter.

Bowling: M: 46  Wkts: 50  Av: 25  BBI: 4/14

• Usman Qadir

In 2018, Usman Qadir showed his intent to represent Australia. Strangely enough, he was selected for the Australian tour without any performances in the domestic circuit. He didn’t get a chance in the playing XI and was dropped from the squad. There’s a high probability that he might get another chance but for that, he’ll have to raise his performances in the National T20 Cup.

Bowling: M: 26  Wkts: 23  Av: 25.78  BBI: 2/15

• Bilal Asif

The only off-spinner who is in the reckoning for selection. Bilal Asif made his name in the T20 circuit, almost half a decade back, scoring a century for Sialkot Stallions. His batting abilities have declined gradually but he brings a lot of experience, variety, and control to the bowling line-up. He picked up a man-of-the-match award in his second ODI and a five-wicket haul in debut test. He’s part of the Central Punjab squad in the National T20 Cup.

Bowling: M: 41  Wkts: 47  Av: 20.82  BBI: 3/11

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