Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has expressed concerns over the batting technique of Lahore Qalandars’ opening batsman Sahibzada Farhan, particularly against swinging deliveries.
During the recent PSL 9 match against Islamabad United, Sahibzada Farhan struggled to make an impact, scoring only two runs off 12 balls.
He struggled particularly against Naseem Shah’s impressive swing bowling before being dismissed by Hunain Shah.
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A Naseem Shah maiden over to start the Pindi derby!!#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #IUvLQ pic.twitter.com/y7etYjyZtl— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 6, 2024
Speaking to a local sports channel after the match, Mohammad Hafeez highlighted Farhan’s discomfort against the swinging new ball, despite his credentials as an opener and a prolific scorer in domestic cricket.
“He looked pretty uncomfortable while facing the first over, especially against the swinging deliveries. This is a recurring issue for him, and it needs to be addressed,” stated Hafeez.
“He is a a good batter and has shown in domestic cricket. But the world’s top new-ball bowlers will exploit his weakness if not rectified.”
Echoing similar sentiments, cricketing icon Wasim Akram expressed his observations regarding Farhan’s struggle against swing bowling, particularly evident during Naseem Shah’s spell.
“It was seaming little bit and no doubt Naseem [Shah] bowled well, but he was bowling normal out-swingers. Sahibzada [Farhan] looked clueless as if he has never played swing bowling,” remarked Wasim Akram.
Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars secured their first victory of PSL 9 against Islamabad United at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium.
After posting 162 runs, led by Rassie van der Dussen’s fifty, Lahore’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, successfully restricted Islamabad to 145 runs, showcasing a spirited performance in the league.
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