Pakistan cricket team chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq spoke about the logic as to why they opted for Hasan Ali for the World Cup 2023. The last time Hasan took part in an ODI game was back in June 2022 and yet Inzamam trusted him because of his experience of performing well for Pakistan in ‘big events’.
Hasan Ali made his way to the Pakistan squad after regular pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. The former Pakistan legend accepted that it is because of injuries to quite a few of their regular bowlers, that Pakistan had to count on Hasan.
"Naseem Shah unfortunately got injured and he's our main bowler. Hasnain had an ankle operation. Ihsanullah had an elbow operation. We had few options left among fast bowlers due to injuries. Hassan Ali bowled well in the LPL and elsewhere recently. He is experienced and has played well for Pakistan previously in big events," Inzamam was quoted as saying in a press conference.
Hasan also plied his trade in the LPL for the Dambulla Aura as he scalped eight wickets from five matches at an economy rate of 6.78.
"Once Naseem Shah was ruled out, we also needed a bowler who could bowl with the new ball, and I think Hassan Ali is a great choice. He bowls well with the old ball too, and is a team man as well. He brings energy into the team," he added.
In a total of 60 ODIs, Hasan Ali has 91 wickets in his kitty at an economy rate of 5.75 with four five-wicket hauls under his belt. Since the 2019 World Cup, the speedster has only taken part in seven ODIs where he bagged nine wickets.
Pakistan Squad:
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.