Why was Saim Ayub released from Pakistan squad just before ODI Tri-Series final?
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Saim Ayub is struggling with poor form.
The Pakistan men’s cricket team are currently playing an ODI Tri-Series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. They have played excellent cricket so far and won all three matches. Pakistan have now qualified for the tri-series final.
However, Saim Ayub has been released from the squad just before the final. Reportedly, the 24-year-old batter asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to release him from the squad due to his poor form.
Saim has been struggling for runs and has registered three single-digit scores in three games so far in the tri-series.
“After a conversation with the head coach, Saim expressed a desire to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Respecting Saim’s decision and appreciating his honest assessment of his current form, the team management and national selection committee have mutually agreed to accept this request,” the statement read.
Sahibzada Farhan named as Saim Ayub’s replacement in ODI squad
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The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced Sahibzada Farhan as Saim Ayub’s replacement in the ODI squad for the tri-series. Farhan was recently appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain; however, he was not initially named in the ODI squad.
He has played only six ODI matches so far, and now he has been given another opportunity to represent Pakistan in this format.
Pakistan have already qualified for the final of the tri-series after defeating England in a thriller in Lahore. Thanks to Shadab Khan’s century, Pakistan chased down the 242-run target. Shadab scored 113 runs off 96 balls, powering Pakistan to a one-wicket win in the 48th over.
Pakistan had already defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their opening match in Rawalpindi and later beat England by 87 runs at the same venue. The hosts have made an impressive start to the tournament. However, maintaining this momentum in the final will be another challenge.
It is good news for Pakistani fans that the team is building momentum just one year before the ODI World Cup. Fans will hope Pakistan continue to play this kind of cricket throughout the coming year.
Who replaced Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Tri-Series?
Sahibzada Farhan named as Saim Ayub’s replacement in the ODI squad.
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