Pakistan need Asif, says Akram

Wasim Akram is surprised at the exclusion of Mohammad Asif from Pakistan's first two matches in the World Twenty20 and feels the defending champions need the fast bowler to strengthen their attack.

Wasim Akram is surprised at the exclusion of Mohammad Asif from Pakistan's first two matches in the World Twenty20 and feels the defending champions need the fast bowler to strengthen their attack.

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Mohammad Sami replaced Asif during Pakistan's 21-run win over Bangladesh. The green-shirts retained the same bowling combinations against the Australians on Sunday that was given a hammering during their 34-run loss thanks to a brutal batting display by Shane Watson and David Hussey.

"Pakistan, on the other hand, gave away too many runs against Australia in the second match. They lost an important toss, and batting on these slow wickets in the second innings is very difficult," Akram, a former Pakistan captain and fast bowler, was quoted as saying on ESPN-Star website.

"Pakistan's combination also was not right. I do not know why Mohammad Asif is not playing. Mohammad Sami is a talented bowler and he did well against Bangladesh, but against the Kangaroos his length was not up to the mark. That's why he conceded so many runs. Asif has proved time and again his class and should be brought back without further ado.

"To sum it up, the defending champions did not look prepared for the match, which is quite understandable as they have not played much cricket in the last couple of months. But Pakistan soon have to adapt to the challenges in the Caribbean," he said.