Dearth of quality all-rounders in Pakistan team: Wasim Akram

Pakistan's former captain Wasim Akram on Sunday said there is a dearth of quality all-rounders in the Pakistan cricket team.

Speaking to Geo News following Pakistan’s crushing defeat to New Zealand, the ‘Swing ka Sultan’ said the shortage of quality all-rounders in the Pakistan team was felt strongly in the Christchurch Test.

He noted that Pakistan were unable to play any practice match in New Zealand ahead of the Test due to rainy weather, which was one reason why the team seemed unprepared to face the hosts on the green, fast pitch.

Akram praised the Kiwis’ performance in the match. “They had prepared very well to deal with Pakistan, and that showed clearly,” he said.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by eight wickets on Sunday in the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, guided by Kane Williamson’s half century.

A low-scoring match was wrapped up inside eight sessions after the first day´s washout, with Black Caps’ debutants Jeet Raval and Colin de Grandhomme the highlight of the Test.

Opener Raval was unbeaten on 36 in the second innings after top-scoring in the first innings with 55, while Colin de Grandhomme gave a masterful display of medium-paced bowling, taking 6 for 41 in the first innings when Pakistan were skittled for 133.