Batter Hassan Nawaz was in action during the ODI series against West Indies.
Pakistan’s emerging batter Hasan Nawaz on Monday, claimed that his teammates are in good form and will try to continue it heading into the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the subsequent ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
The right-handed batter, who has represented Pakistan in 13 T20Is, played a pivotal role in leading Agha XI to victory over Saim XI in the Green Shirts’ intrasquad practice match, held here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Later, he, alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, shared insights on the practice match in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
During the candid discussion, Abrar praised Nawaz and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris for their blistering knocks, which sank Saim XI.
In response, Nawaz particularly praised Abrar’s fielding and bowling performances, experienced top-order batter Fakhar Zaman for his brilliant knock, before going on to assert that all members of the squad are in good form.
He then expressed hope that all the players, including him, will continue the form heading into the upcoming assignments.
“In the match, the catch you took and the way you bowled were outstanding, and we restricted them to a low total,” Nawaz told Abrar.
“The players are in [good] form, Fakhar played very well. So, by the will of Almighty Allah, everyone’s and my strive is to continue this form for the tri-series and Asia Cup,” he added.
Akram wants Babar
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment over star batter Babar Azam’s absence from the national team’s squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.
Babar, who is second on the list of all-time leading run-scorers in T20Is, has been out of favour in the shortest format since the three-match away series against South Africa in December last year.
He ultimately failed to make it to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup as the former champions shift their focus to grooming youngsters ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
His snub from the continental tournament drew severe backlash from fans and has been the point of debate among cricket pundits since the announcement of the Pakistan squad.
Legendary pacer Akram rued Babar’s absence in the Pakistan squad for the continental tournament but termed it an opportunity for the selected emerging players to showcase their potential.
“Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he’s not been selected, it’s up to those in the squad to step up,” Akram told a sports news website.
The former pacer further termed the Asia Cup as an exciting spectacle for cricket fans before expressing his hope for the resumption of Test matches between Pakistan and India, stating it would be a historic event.
“This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It’s my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It’s been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides,” Akram stated.
For the unversed, the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-series and the continental tournament is currently participating in the training camp here.
The tri-nation series will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan and hosts UAE.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time.
Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 will get underway on August 9 with the match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong and will conclude on September 28.
The Green Shirts will start their campaign on September 12 against Oman, while their blockbuster fixture against arch-rivals India is scheduled on September 14.