Rashid Latif backs Saim Ayub to shine in remaining Asia Cup matches after three ducks in Group stage

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif has put his weight behind opener Saim Ayub to deliver the goods in the Super Four stage after he registered three ducks in the Group A fixtures against Oman, UAE, and India.

Ayub was dismissed for a golden duck against arch rivals India, whereas on Wednesday, he was dismissed on the second ball by Junaid Siddique against the UAE. 

The 23-year-old has scored 816 runs in 44 T20Is at an average of 20.4 and a strike rate of 135.55.

“Kabhi kabaar aisa hota hai, banda oont pad baitha hai aur kutta kaat jaata hai, uske saath yahi ho raha hai (It happens at times that an individual does everything right but still things go wrong),” Latif said while speaking on a YouTube show.

“Woh kaha par catch hokar out ho gaya… kabhi yu maara toh out ho gaya, kabhi aisa maara to out ho gaya. Bura time aata hai sabka. Yeh bowling se apne team mein khel raha hai (He is getting out on every shot that he is playing. He is in the team because of his bowling),” Latif said.

The former Pakistan stumper said either Ayub will deliver or he will once again get out cheaply.

“Badhe match mein kisi mein fodhega. Ya to phoot jayega ya fod dega (He will play a blazing knock in one of the big matches. It will be either a hit or a miss),” Latif added.

Meanwhile, Ayub has scalped six wickets in the continental tournament, returning with figures of 3-35 against India.

Pakistan registered a 41-run win against the UAE in a must-win group stage match on Wednesday, and Salman Agha’s team will play against India in the Super Four stage on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.