Tanvir Blasts Qalandars’ Opening Strategy

Former Pakistani fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has strongly criticized Lahore Qalandars’ decision to promote Asif Ali to the opening position during their PSL 10 match against Peshawar Zalmi, deeming it a strategic error that significantly harmed the team’s chances.

This critique follows Asif Ali’s brief innings of four runs from six balls, which concluded with his dismissal by a sharp inswinger delivered by Luke Wood.

His swift departure contributed to a collapse of the top order, resulting in Lahore being bowled out for a mere 129 runs. Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased this target, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

During a passionate post-game analysis featured on a social media platform, Tanvir mocked the Qalandars’ choice to elevate Asif Ali—typically a finisher—to the role of an opening batsman.

“I must commend the brilliant mind that conceived the idea of having Asif Ali open the batting,” Tanvir remarked with sarcasm.

The former left-arm bowler further clarified his disapproval, explaining that Asif lacks the necessary technique to effectively counter high-quality fast bowling early in an innings.

“They sent in a power hitter who has no defensive skills to open. From what I’ve observed in practice, he simply swings hard without any proper foot movement,” he commented.

Other batsmen including Fakhar Zaman (10 off 8), Abdullah Shafique (0 off 4), and Daryl Mitchell (2 off 3) also succumbed to early dismissals, leaving the Qalandars struggling at 4 for 6 at one point.

Only Sikandar Raza displayed resilience, contributing a courageous 52 runs off 37 deliveries; however, he received minimal support from his teammates.

“Skilfully bowling with the new ball is an art, and skillfully playing against it is also an art. You simply cannot position a slogger to face the most demanding phase of an innings,” he stated.

He highlighted that Asif’s established role within the national team is that of a lower-order finisher, not as someone who establishes the innings from the beginning.

Further dissecting the dismissal, Tanvir commented, “Facing the new ball against top-tier pace demands sound technique, particularly on a pitch that encourages movement. Asif seemed completely unable to cope with the situation.”

Zalmi’s bowlers fully took advantage of Lahore’s flawed strategy, with captain Babar Azam leading the chase with an undefeated 52, securing a straightforward victory for his team and revealing the deficiencies in the Qalandars’ strategy.