If Pakistan win the third and final Test match scheduled to begin on the 30th of October against the West Indies at Sharjah, they would become the first side to clean-sweep the opponent in all three formats in a single tour. If Pakistan needed any more incentive to win the series 3-0, they have the record books open right in front of them.
One record that is all set to be rewritten is Misbah-ul-Haq captaining Pakistan for the 49th Test match, beating Imran Khan’s previous record of 48 - another feather in the cap for Pakistan’s most successful Test captain. And with five Tests coming up in New Zealand and Australia he has a chance to add to that tally before he draws the curtain down on his illustrious career.
Sami Alam
The selection in Sharjah would reflect Pakistan's strategy in New Zealand and Australia
The Sharjah Test will be played keeping the New Zealand and Australia tours in mind – as, it can be argued, was the Abu Dhabi Test. Possibly for the first time we saw the Pakistani side playing a series as a squad more than a starting 11, with both Mohammed Amir and Wahab Riaz making way for Rahat Ali and Zulfiqar Babar; and Younis Khan returning in place of Babar Azam.
Utilising the depth of the squad - especially the fast bowling contingent - allows the team to maximise their utility. A classic example was Wahab Riaz’s return in the fourth Test at the Oval, after not playing the third match, and the difference in his performance. The selection in Sharjah would also reflect Pakistan’s strategy in New Zealand, where the pace bowlers would be expected to do most of the damage.
While Rahat Ali might be third or fourth in the fast bowling pecking order, he has been the most consistent over the last couple of series. Amir’s second innings spell in Dubai notwithstanding, Rahat’s performance in Sharjah also proves that he just might be the pick of the lot in UAE’s conditions. With Pakistan likely to go with three seamers in New Zealand and Australia, he should be a regular feature in the starting 11.
Yasir Shah
As far as the bowling is concerned, Yasir Shah stole the show in Abu Dhabi again with his 10-for. It wasn’t just the wicket count, Yasir arguably bowled as good as he has since his return from the ban. He gave the ball zip and quick turn, which is pivotal on the slow UAE decks.
Zulfiqar Babar’s return to the starting 11 wasn’t quite as he might have wanted. While he did end up getting two late wickets, but it was evident that is short on confidence. He bowled too slowly, with most of the deliveries sent down more in hope than expectation - not a sign of a bowler who is in control. While Zulfiqar might not be needed in New Zealand or Australia, when he’s at his best, he is a crucial asset in UAE. If Pakistan are in control at Sharjah, he should be given longer spells to get his grove back.
Rahat Ali
Pakistan’s batting unit is as well-settled as it has ever been, especially the middle order. Azhar Ali has also formed a steady opening partnership with Sami Aslam, with Asad Shafiq looking settled at number three, where he is likely to play for the most part of the rest of his career. With Babar Azam knocking on the door as well, Asad and Azhar will form the backbone of Pakistani batting once Misbah and Younis Khan retire. And in Sarfraz Ahmed Pakistan have a world class wicket keeper batsman capable of scoring runs anywhere and in any given situation.
With everyone in the runs, Sami and Asad should look to get three figure scores to boost their confidence going into New Zealand, where the top three are crucial in swinging conditions and bouncing decks. Wickets for Zulfiqar Babar and runs for Sami Aslam would cap off a resounding, dominant tour for Pakistan, and would boost the morale going into the challenges ahead.
